SEMI, the global industry association representing the electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with FIRST Global, a non-profit that organizes the FIRST Global Challenge, an annual international robotics event dedicated to inspiring a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) among young students worldwide. Under the agreement, SEMI will leverage its global platform to help bring the FIRST Global Challenge to more young students around the world and inspire them to pursue a STEM education.
The MOU aligns with SEMI Works, the holistic SEMI program designed to improve the industry’s image and provide educational programs for all age groups across the education continuum. SEMI Works aims to strengthen the semiconductor industry’s talent pipeline and overcome its shortage of skilled workers.
“With workforce development a top strategic priority at SEMI, supporting FIRST Global makes sense as it gives young people around the world opportunities to collaborate and helps expose them to STEM careers through experiential learning opportunities,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO. “We are excited to be partnering with FIRST Global, which shares SEMI’s passion for inspiring young students to pursue educations and ultimately careers in STEM disciplines.”
Dean Kamen, the legendary inventor of the Segway and a tireless advocate for science and technology, established FIRST Global. The inaugural 2017 FIRST Global Challenge included teams from more than 150 countries. In his keynote last week at SEMICON West, Kamen discussed how the industry can develop the next generation of talent critical to innovation as well as the FIRST Global Challenge.
