The Higher Education Coordinating Commission is awarding $8.5 million in grants from Oregon’s Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund to eight grantees to build workforce pathways in the semiconductor industry and support the growth of this sector in Oregon. All grantees are active members of Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) a partnership led by Oregon State University.
The funds were awarded to seven higher education institutions and one nonprofit organization: Oregon State University, Chemeketa Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon STEM, Portland Community College, Portland State University and University of Oregon.
OSU is receiving $1.6 million to expand its experiential learning opportunities in training labs to additional colleges and universities, develop new modules and courses that will be available to other universities and increase remote-delivery of semiconductor course content. Semiconductors are an essential building block of many modern digital technologies including computer chips.
“I’m thrilled for OSU to again have the state’s support in growing the semiconductor talent pipeline,” Christine Dudenhoefer, executive director of semiconductor economic development at OSU, said. “By aligning this new funding with FAST priorities, HECC is building on years of strategy to maximize statewide impact.”
Dudnhoefer said the funds will allow OSU to expand proven experiential programs like the six-week VETS-UP training and two-week Semiconductor Training Camp. It will also help extend AI curriculum to Ecampus to reach more learners and strengthen collaborations with colleges and universities across Oregon to expand semiconductor-related coursework.
FAST is a partnership of 95 organizations spanning industry, higher education, government and non-profits working to promote semiconductor innovation and economic growth in Oregon. FAST is also currently a finalist for a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine award that, if awarded, would provide substantial funding over the next 10 years.
The Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund, administered by the HECC, was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2024 to provide education, training and research that support semiconductor innovation and productivity, as well as credentials for careers in semiconductor‑related fields. Governor Tina Kotek directed a one‑time investment of $10 million in Oregon CHIPS Act dollars (state general funds) to the fund. The $8.5 million in awards announced this month are from that investment.
“Oregon is a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation and these critical investments will keep powering us forward” Kotek said. “These funds will help unlock the potential of our colleges and universities to meet our growing workforce demands and elevate future talent across Oregon.”
Ben Cannon, executive director of the HECC, added these funds will seed and bolster innovative training and education initiatives designed to ensure that Oregonians across the state have onramps to promising careers in the semiconductor industry.
“As partners in FAST, Oregon colleges, universities and nonprofits are already actively collaborating to drive innovation and economic growth in this industry, and these investments will open up exciting new opportunities for students and communities,” he said.
The HECC selected the FAST members for direct awards based on their close alignment with the statutory requirements of the Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund, demonstrated impact and meaningful engagement in the FAST initiative.
By Theresa Hogue
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