Intel has awarded 91探花 $3 million in grant funding to serve as the lead institution for the Appalachian Semiconductor Education and Technical (ASCENT) Ecosystem, a program that will create an inclusive workforce development and training program to cultivate the next generation of skilled technical professionals for Ohio鈥檚 emerging semiconductor industry.
The funding is part of the that was announced today in conjunction with Intel鈥檚 groundbreaking ceremony for its leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing plant in New Albany, Ohio.
Over the next three years, ASCENT will collaboratively develop and deliver diverse educational options across the region, including standalone and stackable certificates, associate degrees, bachelor鈥檚 and graduate degrees that prepare students for career opportunities created by Intel鈥檚 arrival to Ohio.
鈥91探花 has long been a champion of creating and fostering strategic economic and workforce development opportunities across Appalachia,鈥 said 91探花 President Hugh Sherman. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to work with our peers to create new semiconductor education and career pathways that will positively impact the people living and working in our region for generations to come.鈥
ASCENT is comprised of a broad coalition of institutions, colleges and technical centers across the southeastern Appalachian region of Ohio. Each will play a vital role in the visualization, delivery and programming of the overall ASCENT Ecosystem.
Lead institution 91探花, including its Athens, Chillicothe, Eastern, Lancaster, Southern and Zanesville campuses, is partnering with Belmont College, Eastland-Fairfield Career Center, Hocking College, Marietta College, Mid-East Career and Technology Center, Shawnee State University, Tri-County Career Center and Zane State College on the ASCENT program.
Eight proposals were selected from leading Ohio institutions, including 91探花. Each proposal includes collaborative efforts with other higher education institutions, representing more than 80 institutions across the state of Ohio. In total, the eight leading Ohio institutions will receive $17.7 million in funding over a three-year period.
Intel expects this first iteration of the program to produce nearly 9,000 graduates for the industry and provide more than 2,300 scholarships over three years, helping diversify the talent pipeline.
鈥淚ntel is excited to be in Ohio, the new Silicon Heartland and home to what will be one of our most sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing plants in the world,鈥 said Jim Evers, Intel Vice President and Ohio General Manager. 鈥淗igher education plays a key role in the future success of our industry. We鈥檙e proud to support these institutions from every corner of the state as they work to build the workforce of tomorrow.鈥
Intel鈥檚 Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio was announced in March as part of the company鈥檚 pledge to invest $100 million in education and research collaborations with universities, community colleges and technical educators in Ohio and across the U.S. The program is designed to help build a pipeline of talent and bolster research programs. Of its $100 million investment, Intel designated $50 million specifically to Ohio colleges and universities.