April 18, 2006 – SEMI is expanding its High Tech U program, which introduces high school students to the semiconductor manufacturing industry, to the Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center (MATEC) in the greater Phoenix, AZ area.

MATEC will manage the regional expansion of High Tech U, including student recruitment, curriculum development, volunteer instructor recruitment and training, and program deliver, with the goal of eventually delivering up to six programs per year. The first will be held Apr. 17-19, with thirty students from Gilbert, Hamilton, and Mesa High Schools.

Sponsors include Intel, ASML, and Air Products, all of which operate facilities in the area and are providing financial and instructor support. Arizona State U. is an educational partner, while most classes will be held at the ASML training center in Tempe, AZ.

“This is one of our country’s most important high tech communities and support for High Tech U from industry and the education community over the years has been tremendous,” stated Lisa Anderson, VP of the SEMI Foundation.

Six High Tech U programs have been presented in the Phoenix area since the program’s inception in 2001. Other High Tech U programs in the US have been held in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Texas.