The Micron Foundation announced that it will commit $1 million to higher education institutions in Virginia as it invests in the next generation of technicians, scientists and engineers with a focus on women and underrepresented minorities in these fields. The investment will provide grants and funding at select community colleges and universities for several types of programs, organizations and individuals that inspire and enable future innovators.

“Today we are proud to expand our commitment with education partners across Virginia, which share our focus on developing a strong, vibrant and talented workforce,” said Micron Foundation Executive Director Dee Mooney. “These efforts reflect our company’s focus on investing in students and embracing diversity, as well as our long-term commitment to our Manassas facility and its team members. We look forward to working with community and education leaders to identify and support programs that will make a difference for decades to come.”

The $1 million fund will support programs in the area of cleanroom and nanotechnology labs, unmanned and autonomous automotive systems, robotics, big data, embedded systems and networking applications. Faculty members, program directors and student groups from universities and community colleges in the Commonwealth of Virginia will be eligible. With a focus on women and underrepresented minorities, programs that support low income and first-time college student programs will also receive special consideration.