Transformative Approaches to Educating the Semiconductor Workforce (TA-ESW)
NSF supports research-driven academic-industry partnerships and hands-on STEM education to build a diverse, skilled semiconductor workforce for advanced manufacturing and design.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline for proposals submitted to IUSE or ExLENT in response to the TA-ESW DCL; projected)
Funding Amounts: Award size and duration depend on the selected NSF program (IUSE or ExLENT); refer to program solicitations for typical ranges.
Summary: Supports innovative, evidence-based partnerships and training to build a diverse, skilled semiconductor workforce through academic-industry collaboration and hands-on STEM education.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; deadlines and program requirements are subject to change.
Description
This initiative, led by the U.S. National Science Foundation, aims to accelerate the development of the future semiconductor workforce by fostering transformative, research-informed educational approaches. It encourages proposals that strengthen industry-academic partnerships, broaden access to hands-on learning in cleanrooms and teaching laboratories, and integrate industry standards into curricula. Projects may focus on creating or adapting courses, certificates, and experiential learning programs; training educators; and investigating student success factors in semiconductor-related fields. Emphasis is placed on engaging diverse talent pools and building institutional capacity for rapid workforce evolution in advanced memory manufacturing, microelectronics, and semiconductor design.
