The overview
ACC received the grant from the DOD's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for the college's work in semiconductor manufacturing, according to a news release. ACC was the only community college out of the 18 partnering academic institutions selected.
Last fall, ACC launched its Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start program. The four-week, full-time program offers theoretical and hands-on training for students to transition into manufacturing technician roles.
In March, ACC officials announced the community college district would partner with The University of Texas and the Texas Institute for Electronics to create a semiconductor training center, which could have its first students by January.
Per the news release, the $7.5 million grant was awarded to UT and TIE, which distributed the funds to ACC, allowing it to "expand existing training programs and develop new ones to support their work" through the center.
TIE has already committed $3.75 million in funding to develop the center, as previously reported by Community Impact. In total, the partnership has amassed $11.25 million in funding to ACC.
What they're saying
“I’m immensely proud of the work happening at ACC to support the semiconductor industry in our community," ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart said in the release. "Our education and training programs are directly connecting students with employers. ... The work that is happening is helping ensure our training aligns directly to the workforce needs here in Central Texas.”
Did you know?
Along with its partnership with ACC and TIE, UT Austin is making other strides to place students in semiconductor jobs. Officials announced in March that the university will offer a new Master of Science in Engineering with a major in semiconductor science and engineering in fall 2025.
The program is a collaboration between the Cockrell School of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences, and will be the first of its kind in Texas and one of the few offered in the United States.
