The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board approved a memorandum of understanding between CUSD and the University of Arizona to establish the first-of-its-kind high school career and technical (CTE) education program in Semiconductor Manufacturing. The development of the two-year semiconductor curriculum will be in partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). CUSD is a career and technical education satellite location of EVIT.

This initiative, slated for launch in the 2025 school year, is a collaborative effort aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the East Valley and throughout the state of Arizona. Semiconductors, vital components powering various technological innovations, have emerged as a focal point of Arizona's economic growth.

The initiative marks a major milestone in statewide K-12 education. By bringing together universities, community colleges, and industry partners, including Arm, Cactus Materials, Cirrus Logic, Edwards Vacuum, Intel, Lawrence Semiconductor, NXP, Microchip Technology, and Teradyne, CUSD aims to create a comprehensive curriculum tailored to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor sector.

Dr. Jessica Edgar, Executive Director of PreK-12 Curriculum and Instruction at Chandler Unified, emphasized the proactive engagement of industry stakeholders in shaping the program. "The semiconductor industry's interest in our educational approach demonstrates the critical need for a skilled workforce pipeline," stated Edgar. "This partnership enables us to create pathways for our students to thrive in high-demand careers."

Dr. Liesl Folks, Vice President Semiconductor Strategy at the University of Arizona, noted that the demand for highly skilled employees in the semiconductor sector is growing strongly in Arizona and across the nation, following the federal CHIPS Act investments which incentivize growth in onshore manufacturing. “We need to move quickly to ensure that students can take full advantage of the wide array of career opportunities in the semiconductor sector. The CTE will offer pathways to direct employment after high school as well as pathways to a range of college degrees that are of high interest for this sector.”

The two-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is expected to be housed at Hamilton High School in Chandler. The program aims to equip students with hands-on training and practical skills essential for success in semiconductor manufacturing and has potential to expand across the state and nation. With the launch of the Semiconductor Manufacturing CTE program in 2025, CUSD demonstrates its dedication to providing students with pathways to success in high-demand, high-wage careers.