May 15, 2003 – San Jose, CA – High school students from Silicon Valley have been selected to participate in the next Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) Workforce Development Institute “Chip Camp,” scheduled for May 27 – 30 in San Jose and Santa Clara. Ultratech Stepper Inc., and Intel Corp will host the industry-sponsored education program.
The SEMI Workforce Development Institute (WDI) is an interactive, educational program designed to excite high school students about science and math and expose students to potential career opportunities in high-tech industry. Volunteers from industry, local schools, and universities serve as the instructors and team leaders, guiding students through their lessons and offering practical advice and support on education and career development.
Each four-day “Chip Camp” explores the science and business of making semiconductors, exposing students to the technology and processes that enable the creation of the chips that power virtually every electronic device made today. In addition to hands-on experiments and technical coursework, students receive academic and career guidance, including practice job interviews. Students will also tour San Jose State U. and experience hands-on manufacturing in the campus engineering fab.
“Given the current budget crises facing schools in California and across the nation, it is more important than ever for industry to step up and support educational initiatives,” said Stanley Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. “The students participating in this program represent the future of our industry and the future of the valley. No matter what career path they ultimately choose, the important thing is to get them excited about the possibilities available to them and teach them what they need to do to realize their potential.”
Since the first “Chip Camp” was held in 2001, nearly 300 students across the United States and more than 50 high school teachers have participated in the program. This month’s program at Ultratech Stepper and Intel is the second to be held in Silicon Valley. Six additional high school-level “Chip Camps” will be held this year in the United States as well as a teachers’ institute to be held this summer in Arizona.