Portland State University received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish an innovative program aimed at preparing diverse cohorts of students for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry.
The launch of the Diverse Internships for Semiconductor Careers, or DISC, program reinforces Portland State’s commitment to equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and its role as a key player in Oregon’s thriving Silicon Forest ecosystem. As the program develops, it aims to serve as a model for other institutions seeking to bridge the gap between academia and industry while promoting diversity in high-tech fields.
The DISC program will be led by Andrea Goforth, professor of chemistry, Christof Teuscher, professor in the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Jennifer Lindwall, associate director of the Center for Internships, Mentoring, and Research (CIMR). The trio brings a combined expertise in nanomaterials research, computational modeling, and student success initiatives that will guide the program’s development and implementation.
This program will provide 56 high-quality, paid internship placements over three years for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields. This effort directly addresses the critical workforce shortages and lack of diversity in the semiconductor industry, aligning with national goals of restoring American leadership in microchip development and manufacturing.
DISC will collaborate with major industry partners, including Intel, Siemens EDA, Andes Technology, Moses Lake Industries, and ams-OSRAM USA. These partnerships ensure that internships are aligned with current industry needs and provide students with real-world experience in cutting-edge semiconductor technology. DISC will be looking for additional partners as the program progresses.
Press release: https://www.pdx.edu/news/psu-awarded-nsf-grant-launch-innovative-semiconductor-internship-program
For more information about the DISC program and how to apply, please visit the program’s web page or email disc@pdx.edu.