PSU awarded NSF grant to launch innovative semiconductor internship program

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.

"The DISC program represents a significant step forward in our efforts to diversify the STEM workforce in Oregon," said Todd Rosenstiel, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "By providing early career exposure and hands-on experience in the semiconductor industry, we're opening doors for students who might not otherwise have these opportunities."

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.

The program will be housed within CIMR, which has a decade of experience supporting underrepresented students in STEM and collaborating with partners to create meaningful internship experiences and support students on a variety of career pathways.

A key feature of the DISC program is its comprehensive support system for interns. Student participants will benefit from mentoring by industry professionals and PSU faculty, professional development workshops, and a cohort-style learning community. This holistic approach aims to build not only technical skills but also professional networks and a sense of belonging in the STEM field. CIMR staff will deliver this support, drawing on their established best practices for engaging historically excluded students in STEM fields.

The program focuses on recruiting students from diverse backgrounds, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and military veterans. By engaging students at the critical juncture between community colleges and four-year institutions, DISC aims to provide support at a crucial point in their academic journeys.

"We're not just offering internships; we're creating a pipeline for diverse talent to enter and thrive in our critical semiconductor industry," Rosenstiel said. "This program has the potential to transform lives and reshape the future of tech in Oregon and beyond."

DISC is designed to improve degree completion rates and close equity gaps in STEM fields. By providing paid internships and wrap-around support, the program aims to remove financial barriers and provide the resources necessary for underrepresented students to succeed in their STEM education and careers.

"The semiconductor industry is facing a projected shortage of over 50,000 skilled workers," said Joe Bull, dean of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science. "Programs like DISC are essential not only for filling this gap but for ensuring that the future workforce is as diverse and innovative as the technology it creates."

For more information about the DISC program and how to apply, please visit the program's web page or email [email protected].