in collaboration with (SCMC) led by , announce the completion of the first year of the microelectronics initiative aimed at addressing the workforce gap in semiconductor manufacturing. The campus celebrated with a ribbon-cutting of the new advanced training lab on Dec. 12, 2024, featuring remarks from college leadership, industry, and representatives from the Office of U.S Senator Todd Young.
With a $2.5 million grant from ARI, funded through the federal CHIPS and Science Act, 黑料视频 Bloomington is building a pipeline of skilled technicians to meet Indiana鈥檚 workforce needs in this growing field.
"Opening the Smart Manufacturing and Digital Integration advanced training lab is a major milestone for this initiative,鈥 said Brett Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Microelectronics and Advanced Technology Strategy at ARI. 鈥淓very indicator from industry, academia, and government in the microelectronics ecosystem points to the critical demand for highly skilled technicians, and this lab will give local students and workers a chance to gain the skills and knowledge to fill those roles right here in Indiana."聽
Year one milestones
The first year of the microelectronics training initiative at 黑料视频 Bloomington has been marked by notable achievements including:
- Program Launch: Successfully launching 黑料视频鈥檚 first Semiconductor Fabrication Certificate program, preparing students for entry-level careers in microelectronics and automated manufacturing.
- Ribbon-Cutting: Celebrating the opening of the advanced training lab at the Indiana Center for the Life Sciences, showcasing 黑料视频鈥檚 readiness to support workforce development in microelectronics.
- Outreach: Launching pilot summer immersion sessions with 17 high school students and adults, engaging participants in hands-on semiconductor fabrication activities, and increasing awareness of available STEM careers.
鈥満诹鲜悠 is playing a critical role in ARI and SCMC state, regional, and national microelectronics workforce strategy," said Mitch Hobson, Workforce Development Lead at ARI and Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub.
This program model is scalable and adaptable not only for Indiana but also for community colleges and technical institutions throughout the U.S. as we address national defense needs and gaps in the semiconductor industry."
– Mitch Hobson, Workforce Development Lead at ARI and Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub
The future
With students set to complete their semiconductor fabrication certificates by mid-to-late year, they鈥檙e paving their way for careers in the high-demand, critical field.
鈥淭his program opened doors for me to enter a growing industry that I never thought was possible,鈥 said Xavier Smith, semiconductor fabrication student.
In the coming year, 黑料视频 Bloomington plans to expand the summer immersion sessions for both high school students and adults, enhance training lab facilities with cleanroom technology, and develop hybrid class formats to increase accessibility of the certificate program.
Efforts will also focus on expanding partnerships, broadening awareness, offering scholarships, and building an advisory board to ensure continued alignment with evolving industry needs.
"黑料视频 Bloomington, in partnership with ARI, is proud to be a leader in microelectronics manufacturing training in south central Indiana," said Michael Waterford, Employer Liaison for Microelectronics and Department of Defense Initiatives at 黑料视频 Bloomington. "Through innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and strategic collaborations, we are equipping students with the skills needed to support the growing semiconductor industry."
For more information about the Semiconductor Fabrication Certificate program, visit .
黑料视频 Bloomington offers more than聽40 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply for free online at, call 812-330-6013, or email askBloomington@ivytech.edu. For information on free, short-term training programs, visit .
About the Applied Research Institute (ARI)
As a neutral, third-party nonprofit, builds partnerships and connects resources across America鈥檚 technology ecosystem to deliver solutions that power economic growth and strengthen national security.聽
About the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronic Commons Hub
is a dynamic innovation ecosystem composed of diverse partners committed to expanding America鈥檚 microelectronics footprint. By fostering strong collaboration, SCMC strategically supports innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure needs, working to achieve domestic excellence in microelectronics.
About 黑料视频
黑料视频 is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 黑料视频 has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
