PSU Awarded $1 Million Grant to Expand Semiconductor Career Pathways

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has awarded Portland State University $1 million to strengthen Oregon's semiconductor talent pipeline. The funding is part of a broader $8.5 million investment from the state's Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund, aimed at connecting Oregonians to high-wage, high-demand careers in the growing tech sector.

The grant supports Portland State's involvement in Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), a group of 95 organizations including higher education institutions, government agencies, nonprofits and industry partners working to promote innovation and economic growth in the state.

A cornerstone of PSU's grant project is the expansion of its sponsored dual credit program. Led by the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science (MCECS), the initiative builds on a successful pilot program with the Center for Advanced Learning in Gresham.

By allowing high school students to earn college credit through their existing Career Technical Education (CTE) courses, PSU is lowering barriers to entry for future engineers.

"Our goal is to expand access to engineering and help more students see it as a path open to them," said Martin Siderius, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and associate dean for Academic Affairs. "By partnering with schools in Gresham and engaging students in East Portland, we're introducing students to the field early, inviting them to campus labs, and showing them a clear path from high school to a professional career."

The funding will also support the development of specialized semiconductor curriculum that can be shared across Oregon universities. MCECS plans to leverage its existing master's programs - designed to be terminal degrees that move students directly into the local workforce - and its proximity to the "Silicon Forest."

In addition to K-12 outreach, the grant will help streamline pathways between community colleges and PSU. This includes aligning curriculum with partners like Portland Community College to ensure students can transfer credits seamlessly without repeating coursework.

While the grant is a collaborative effort across the FAST partnership, PSU's $1 million portion will be specifically managed by MCECS to ensure the funds directly impact engineering and computer science training.

"This is an investment in Oregon's economic future," said Christof Teuscher, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "By strengthening the connection between high schools, community colleges, and our graduate programs, we are ensuring that Oregon has the specialized talent needed to lead the global semiconductor industry."