Ivy Tech Bloomington celebrates first year of microelectronics training with ribbon-cutting

$2.5 million grant from the Applied Research Institute (ARI), funded through the CHIPS & Science Act, positions the campus as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing education and workforce development

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington, in collaboration with Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub (SCMC) led by ARI, announce the completion of the first year of the microelectronics initiative aimed at addressing the workforce gap in semiconductor manufacturing. The campus celebrated with a ribbon-cutting of the new advanced training lab on Dec. 12, 2024, featuring remarks from college leadership, industry, and representatives from the Office of U.S Senator Todd Young.
 
With a $2.5 million grant from ARI, funded through the federal CHIPS and Science Act, Ivy Tech Bloomington is building a pipeline of skilled technicians to meet Indiana’s workforce needs in this growing field.
 
"Opening the Smart Manufacturing and Digital Integration advanced training lab is a major milestone for this initiative,” said Brett Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Microelectronics and Advanced Technology Strategy at ARI. “Every indicator from industry, academia, and government in the microelectronics ecosystem points to the critical demand for highly skilled technicians, and this lab will give local students and workers a chance to gain the skills and knowledge to fill those roles right here in Indiana." ​

Year one milestones
The first year of the microelectronics training initiative at Ivy Tech Bloomington has been marked by notable achievements including:
 

• Program Launch: Successfully launching Ivy Tech’s first Semiconductor Fabrication Certificate program, preparing students for entry-level careers in microelectronics and automated manufacturing.
• Ribbon-Cutting: Celebrating the opening of the advanced training lab at the Indiana Center for the Life Sciences, showcasing Ivy Tech’s readiness to support workforce development in microelectronics.​
• Outreach: Launching pilot summer immersion sessions with 17 high school students and adults, engaging participants in hands-on semiconductor fabrication activities, and increasing awareness of available STEM careers.

 
“Ivy Tech is playing a critical role in ARI and SCMC state, regional, and national microelectronics workforce strategy," said Mitch Hobson, Workforce Development Lead at ARI and Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub. "This program model is scalable and adaptable not only for Indiana but also for community colleges and technical institutions throughout the U.S. as we address national defense needs and gaps in the semiconductor industry."
 
The future
With students set to complete their semiconductor fabrication certificates by mid-to-late year, they’re paving their way for careers in the high-demand, critical field.
 
“This program opened doors for me to enter a growing industry that I never thought was possible,” said Xavier Smith, semiconductor fabrication student.
 
In the coming year, Ivy Tech Bloomington plans to expand the summer immersion sessions for both high school students and adults, enhance training lab facilities with cleanroom technology, and develop hybrid class formats to increase accessibility of the certificate program.
 
Efforts will also focus on expanding partnerships, broadening awareness, offering scholarships, and building an advisory board to ensure continued alignment with evolving industry needs.
 
"Ivy Tech Bloomington, in partnership with ARI, is proud to be a leader in microelectronics manufacturing training in south central Indiana," said Michael Waterford, Employer Liaison for Microelectronics and Department of Defense Initiatives at Ivy Tech Bloomington. "Through innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and strategic collaborations, we are equipping students with the skills needed to support the growing semiconductor industry."
 
For more information about the Semiconductor Fabrication Certificate program, visit www.ivytech.edu/locations/bloomington/special-programs/semiconductor-training/.
 
Ivy Tech Bloomington offers more than 40 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply for free online at ivytech.edu/bloomington, call 812-330-6013, or email [email protected]. For information on free, short-term training programs, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.