Tomorrow's technologists
10/01/2004
It's no secret that most middle-school and high-school students in the US have little interest in math and science. Young people in this country simply do not view technology careers as "cool." In 2001, Semi launched an innovative program to attract students to the study of semiconductors and related technologies. Based on the results so far, this program is a big step in the right direction.
In the September issue of SST (p. 78), Intel's Jerry Kissinger discussed "High Tech U," which operates under the umbrella of Semi's Workforce Development Institute. As Jerry pointed out, through grade four, US students are equal to those of foreign countries in math and science. But by the time the US students reach grade 12, they are significantly behind. Simply put, this problem must be addressed if the US is to remain globally competitive.
High Tech U programs last for three or four days. The approach is very much "hands-on," involving visits to local technology companies and creative exercises such as forming a "human calculator" in which students play the role of individual circuits that switch on and off. "Once they get it, they say, 'You can do all this with zeros and ones! Wow!'" says Lisa Anderson, VP, workforce development at Semi.
Technology is the main focus, but other valuable skills are addressed, too. On the last day, the program switches to practical challenges students will face when they enter the workforce. Resume writing and interviewing — two skills that are often ignored by schools — are included. Throughout the program, students are expected to show up on time, to ask good questions, and to interface constructively with their peers. At the end of each program, the student who has best exhibited these teamwork skills is awarded a scholarship of $1000, based on the votes of the other students.
Another interesting aspect of High Tech U is that B and C students are the prime targets for recruitment. Special effort is made to seek out female and minority students.
High Tech U also targets teachers, parents, industry instructors, and local governments. "Teacher editions" include, again, hands-on exercises designed to increase teachers' understanding of the technologies and methodologies used in chip manufacturing.
Parents attend a meeting before each program begins, and they must attend a graduation ceremony. Parents are urged to discuss with their children what was learned each day at High Tech U.
Companies in the industry provide both financing and resources. All instructors come from industry, and Semi's Anderson believes this is a key differentiator of High Tech U. "Industry trainers bring energy that teachers cannot," she says.
Thus far, 25 programs have been conducted, with most targeted at high-school students. Semi reports that more than 1200 people have participated, and more than 200,000 people are aware of High Tech U as a result of students, teachers, parents, and local media spreading the word.
A cynic might argue that efforts like High Tech U are fruitless because high-tech companies are leaving the US to set up shop in Asia to take advantage of low labor costs and to be close to high-growth markets. But these arguments ignore the fact that what has kept the US in an economic leadership role is the very thing that programs like High Tech U are trying to foster: technology innovation through a constant infusion of new creative talent.
Few things are more important to the future health of not only the US semiconductor industry but also the national economy than being able to compete in technology markets. Semi's efforts deserve not only support but also active involvement by technology professionals. I join High Tech U leaders such as Intel's Jerry Kissinger and Semi's Lisa Anderson in urging semiconductor technical professionals to get personally involved — with their own children, other students, local schools, and their communities — to help open the eyes of young people to the rich and varied rewards of a career in technology.
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Kevin Fitzgerald
Editor-in-Chief