Katy Crist
Director of Workforce Development, Synopsys, Inc.
“The NSTC WFPA program and this award will address the industry’s vital need for a workforce skilled in semiconductor verification, and we’re proud to partner with Texas A&M University to apply our technological leadership towards advancing education in this critical area. Over the past decade, the Texas A&M team has developed a robust, industry-driven curriculum, and we are excited to support its expansion to colleges nationwide. Synopsys’ mission is to power innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow, and the Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA) extends that mission to support more than 200 American universities with essential products, training, and curriculum to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders in the semiconductor industry. This investment will also ensure the U.S. remains a leader in the rapidly evolving semiconductor sector.”
Dr. Pamela Lau
President, Parkland College
“Parkland College is excited by the opportunity to continue our partnership with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through the Illinois Semiconductor Workforce Network. This program aligns well with our mission to “engage the community in learning” as it will provide high-quality, accessible education that will prepare students for in-demand careers. We anticipate that this partnership will create valuable opportunities for community college students and significantly contribute to strengthening Illinois’ semiconductor workforce pipeline.”
Dr. Steve Putna
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Director, Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
“As the Director of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI) at Texas A&M University, I am thrilled to see the WAVE-CHIP program selected for the WFPA Award. This recognition seamlessly aligns with our commitment and our mission to drive innovation and workforce development in the semiconductor industry. WAVE-CHIP has significant potential to address critical workforce needs in hardware verification, and we are eager to enhance semiconductor education and create opportunities for underserved communities through this initiative. The NSTC WFPA program is essential in fortifying the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem and securing our nation’s leadership in vital technologies. This award underscores our shared vision for a prosperous future for the U.S. in the semiconductor field.”
Wendi Secrist
Executive Director, Idaho Workforce Development Council
“The Idaho Workforce Development Council is thrilled to support the Idaho Technology Council in implementing the Workforce Partner Alliance program. Our efforts to align access to training in the semiconductor industry are enhanced by this grant which will remove barriers to completing training. It’s a win-win for Idahoans and the industry!”
John Taylor
Corporate Vice President, Samsung Austin Semiconductor
“Samsung Austin Semiconductor is proud of our partnership with the University of Illinois at Urbana Champagne (UIUC) and congratulate them on the funding provided for the Illinois Semiconductor Workforce Network. Our collaboration and financial investment with UIUC will strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem to help achieve our workforce goals.”
Dr. Gabriela Cruz Thompson
Senior Director of University Research Collaboration in Intel Labs, Intel Corp.
“Intel is proud to support the Illinois Semiconductor Workforce Network (ISWN), an ambitious program that aims to address critical workforce needs in the semiconductor industry. By fostering a robust pipeline of skilled technicians and engineers, particularly from underrepresented communities, ISWN is poised to drive innovation and sustain the growth of the U.S. microelectronics sector. This initiative not only aligns with Intel’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, but also reinforces our belief in the power of public-private partnerships to solve complex challenges and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.”