Northwest Nazarene University joins semiconductor workforce initiative in Idaho

Northwest Nazarene University is joining the Pacific Intermountain Regional Node of the National Network for Microelectronics Education, a nationwide effort to strengthen the country’s semiconductor and microelectronics workforce.

The initiative was announced this week by the SEMI Foundation and the U.S. National Science Foundation. It is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Led by Boise State University, the Pacific Intermountain Regional Node serves Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Northern California and Hawaii. NNU joins more than 325 organizations nationwide working to expand workforce pathways and prepare students for careers in microelectronics and advanced manufacturing.

As part of the initiative, NNU will receive about $80,000 during its first year to support undergraduate student research, host a one-day semiconductor camp for Treasure Valley high school students and develop educational resources to be shared across participating organizations in the region.

“This opportunity allows NNU to expand hands-on research experiences for our students while introducing local high school students to one of the fastest-growing industries in Idaho and the nation,” said Dan Lawrence, professor of physics and engineering.

At NNU, the funding will support undergraduate research opportunities in semiconductor and microelectronics fields, the high school semiconductor camp, curriculum development for a shared regional educational hub, and collaboration with regional education, industry and workforce partners to strengthen talent pathways in Idaho.

The initiative comes amid significant growth in the semiconductor industry nationwide. According to an analysis cited by the SEMI Foundation, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of roughly 127,000 to 157,000 semiconductor and microelectronics workers by 2030.

“NNU has a long history of preparing students to serve and lead in their professions,” Lawrence said. “By participating in this initiative, we can help meet workforce needs while providing meaningful opportunities for students to engage in research, innovation and real-world problem solving.”

The National Network for Microelectronics Education was established to address workforce shortages through a coordinated national strategy focused on expanding awareness of semiconductor careers, increasing workforce readiness and connecting learners to employment opportunities across the semiconductor industry.

Founded in 1913, Northwest Nazarene University is a Christian university offering more than 80 undergraduate areas of study, 22 master’s degrees and five doctoral degrees. The university sits on an 88-acre campus in Nampa, with online and extension campuses in Idaho Falls and 35 countries. Its roughly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students come from 41 states and 27 countries.