The University of Oregon has been awarded $1.5 million from Oregon's Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund (STSF) to expand immersive learning experiences, grow industry internship opportunities, and develop semiconductor courses in collaboration with partner universities. The UO is one of eight institutions selected by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to receive a share of $8.5 million in grants aimed at building Oregon's semiconductor workforce pipeline.

The funding will also support the development of K-12 Career Pathways designed to be scaled to other universities across the state — positioning the Knight Campus as a model for semiconductor education and workforce development in Oregon.

"These funds will seed and bolster innovative training and education initiatives that are designed to ensure that Oregonians across the state have onramps to promising careers in the semiconductor industry," said Ben Cannon, executive director of the HECC.

The award comes through the UO's active membership in Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), a 95-partner statewide initiative led by Oregon State University spanning industry, higher education, government, and nonprofits. The Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program’s Semiconductor track has long prepared students for high-demand careers in the semiconductor industry through rigorous coursework and a nine-month paid industry internship — making the campus well-positioned to put these new funds to immediate use.

The STSF was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2024 and funded through a $10 million investment from Governor Tina Kotek using Oregon CHIPS Act dollars. Grants were awarded based on demonstrated impact, alignment with industry-identified workforce needs, and commitment to expanding access and diversity across the state.

— April 23, 2026