Tonko Cheers $4.6 Million Award to SUNY Polytechnic Institute to Expand Semiconductor Workforce

ALBANY, NY - Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today announced that SUNY Polytechnic Institute was awarded $4,697,075 for a grant to further strengthen and expand the Capital Region's workforce in the semiconductor industry. The project, titled the "Educational Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL)" and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), will be hosted by NY CREATES at the Albany NanoTech Complex in partnership with a team of community colleges that will invest in training and educational opportunities in the chips manufacturing field.

"I consider myself lucky to represent a region that is such a strong leader in the semiconductor industry, from manufacturing facilities and research and development programs to our cutting-edge educational institutions,"Congressman Tonko said. "I've been immensely proud to lead efforts in the House on CHIPS & Science Act funding and bolstering our semiconductor ecosystem because I know how important this issue is - not only for our national security and economic competitiveness but also for creating good paying jobs here at home. This grant only furthers our Capital Region's leadership role by driving further education and training for students looking to enter into this growing industry. My congratulations to SUNY Polytechnic Institute on leading this exceptional project. I won't stop working to deliver these strategic investments to drive innovation, support domestic manufacturers, and build out a 21st century economy."

Tonko has been at the forefront of efforts to jump-start American leadership on semiconductor research and manufacturing through the CHIPS & Science Act. He authored and championed his Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act (Micro Act), signed into law as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, that empowers the Department of Energy to drive up research and development of microelectronics.

Tonko also continues pushing for semiconductor investments directly to the Capital Region, including his campaign to establish a National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC)-funded through the CHIPS and Science Act- here in New York State.

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