Chandler Unified School District has joined forces with the University of Arizona to develop a specialized semiconductor program for high school students. This initiative joins the ranks of Maricopa Community College’s Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program, ASU’s certificate programs, and various other technical education opportunities geared toward filling the workforce pipeline.
As the semiconductor industry continues to emphasize the critical need for a skilled workforce to sustain its growth trajectory, a crucial piece of targeting high schoolers seems to be missing. That is where CUSD and UA come into play.
On May 8, the district’s governing board approved a memorandum of understanding with UA, formalizing their partnership to develop the curriculum. This two-year program, set to launch in fall 2025 at Hamilton High School, aims to equip students with the job skills needed to thrive in semiconductor manufacturing. The initiative has garnered support from several local semiconductor companies, including Intel, Microchip Technology and NXP, which are committed to providing industry insights and resources.
Jessica Edgar, CUSD’s executive director of curriculum and instruction, highlighted the industry’s outreach to the district, emphasizing the urgency of building a talent pipeline. “They have expressed concerns about filling positions at all levels, from clean room technicians to executive roles,” Edgar noted. “We’re starting in Chandler, but the goal is to scale this program to benefit the entire nation.”
The curriculum, crafted with input from UA’s semiconductor strategy experts and local industry leaders, will focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, internships and mentorship opportunities, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce or further education.
Kevin Zarkar, SVP of Global Business Development at HTC-America, praised the initiative, stating, “Proximity to our U.S.-based customers will enhance on-site service and support, fostering industry collaboration and preparing students for future market demands.”
The CUSD-UA partnership also plans to share the curriculum with other interested school districts, potentially setting a national standard for semiconductor education. This collaborative model could serve as a blueprint for similar programs across the country, amplifying its impact. CUSD and UA are hosting a weeklong semiconductor camp this summer at Hamilton High School to generate interest and awareness. The camp, which filled its 40 available spots in just two days, now has a waitlist, indicating strong community interest.
This program is not just an educational endeavor — it’s a strategic response to Arizona’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry. Since 2020, 35 semiconductor-related companies have announced expansions or relocations to the state. The U.S. Commerce Department’s allocation of $8.5 billion to Intel, $162 million to Microchip Technology and $6.6 billion to TSMC under the CHIPS and Science Act further signifies the importance of the region’s critical role in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. But also, these investments are set to create thousands of jobs, reinforcing the need for a well-trained workforce.
CUSD’s new semiconductor program represents a visionary step toward securing Arizona’s leadership in the semiconductor industry. This initiative promises to help meet the workforce demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape by equipping students with critical skills and fostering industry partnerships. As the program grows, it holds the potential to transform education and industry collaboration nationwide, ensuring a bright future for the semiconductor sector and beyond.
