Intel launched the Semiconductor Education Pathways Program (SEPP), a workforce development initiative aimed at strengthening pathways that connect K–12 education with postsecondary education and then with jobs in the semiconductor sector. The program covers Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon, states associated with Intel’s U.S. manufacturing operations and the broader semiconductor ecosystem.
According to Intel, the company-funded program focuses on building a stronger, more resilient talent pipeline in regions that support its manufacturing presence by investing in students, educators, educational institutions, and community partners. This comes at a time when the semiconductor sector relies on specialized personnel in engineering, manufacturing, research, technical roles, and emerging technologies.
Five Program Focus Areas
SEPP brings together universities, community colleges, school systems, and nonprofit organizations to create hands-on learning experiences, strengthen academic programs, and increase awareness of available careers in the semiconductor industry. The program focuses on five main areas:
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in K–12 education, along with career and technical education.
- Experiential learning opportunities for students.
- Curriculum development.
- Faculty development and teacher training.
- Grants and fellowships for graduate students.
Intel says that investing across the different stages of education helps students acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to pursue career pathways in microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
Regional Focus and Hands-On Experiences
The program’s regional focus enables collaboration with educational institutions and community partners to address each region’s specific workforce needs while developing scalable models that serve the sector more broadly. Supported initiatives include university research experiences in semiconductors and microelectronics, as well as faculty training programs in semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
The initiatives also include community college-to-university transfer pathways, technician preparation programs, student design challenges, capstone projects, company-based teacher training programs, and industry immersion experiences, in addition to career-connected learning opportunities for K–12 students.
Expanding experiential learning opportunities is a core element of SEPP, connecting what students learn in classrooms with real-world applications. These opportunities include research experiences, design challenges, paid learning-and-work programs, boot camps, and hands-on activities in laboratories. The activities aim to introduce students to technologies and to the diverse pathways in the sector, from research and design to manufacturing and advanced packaging.
Support for Educators and Institutions
The program includes investments in faculty and teacher development to help them deepen their understanding of semiconductor technologies and bring relevant content into classrooms. It also supports curriculum development and collaboration among educational institutions, helping align educational pathways with changing industry needs.
Intel notes that SEPP is part of its broader higher education portfolio, which includes research collaborations and initiatives with the U.S. National Science Foundation and Semiconductor Research Corporation, reaching community colleges and universities in more than 32 U.S. states. The company also invests in K–12 education through outreach programs that support national nonprofits, school districts, and local institutions.
Long-Term Investment in Talent
The program includes graduate grants and fellowships, partnerships with higher education institutions, student experiences, and K–12 education initiatives. Intel says these investments aim to strengthen workforce readiness, expand access to semiconductor education, and build sustainable talent pathways over the coming years.
Under SEPP, Intel works with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and industry stakeholders to help more students discover and pursue opportunities in microelectronics. The company believes that collaboration among the education, industry, and government sectors is essential to meeting future workforce needs in the semiconductor sector.