ABOUT

SCALE:

Meeting global demand starts with a trained workforce.

The global demand for safe, reliable, and trustworthy microelectronics is increasing rapidly. However, the design and manufacturing of these crucial microchips face significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions and an urgent need for a skilled workforce.

Urgency of Need for Increased Microelectronics Workforce Development Programs

  • US demand for microelectronics employees increasing rapidly, particularly in public sector

  • At same time, number of students dropped with pandemic – ICHE indicated that this was “the lowest rate—and sharpest decline—in at least a generation.”

  • Furthermore, diversity of the field limited by lower student enrollments and lower retention rates

DRIVING THE SOLUTION

SCALE: Leading U.S. semiconductor workforce development for defense.

The SCalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE) network was launched in 2020 to rapidly address these challenges. As the leading U.S. program for semiconductor workforce development in the defense sector, SCALE is tackling these issues head-on.

Led by Purdue University, funded by the Department of Defense, and managed by NSWC Crane, SCALE is revolutionizing the training of highly-skilled U.S. microelectronics engineers, hardware designers, and manufacturing experts, ensuring U.S. leadership in this vital field. SCALE has created an effective public-private academic partnership of universities and defense industry and government partners.

SCALE offers unique courses, mentoring, internships, targeted research opportunity matching, scholarships, and job placement assistance for graduate and undergraduate students.

These opportunities focus on five microelectronics specialty areas:

• Radiation Hardening (RH)

• Heterogeneous Integration/Advanced Packaging (HI/AP)

• System on Chip (SoC)

• Trusted Artificial Intelligence (TAI)

• Compound Semiconductors (CS)

This comprehensive approach prepares students for the rapidly advancing microelectronics field.

THE VISION

Understanding SCALE

SCalable: The SCALE network is designed for growth. Through partnerships and collaboration, the program expands efficiently to reach students, faculty, and government and corporate partners across the United States. As the number of participants increases, SCALE continues to lead the semiconductor workforce development in the defense sector with excellence.

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Asymmetric: The technical expertise of the SCALE partners offers a substantial advantage.  Through targeted coursework, mentoring, internships, and research opportunities, SCALE students have unique preparation to enter the microelectronic workforce.

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Lifecycle: SCALE is focused on long-term, sustainable success.  The need for skilled workers in the domestic microelectronics industry will continue to grow, and SCALE will continue to prepare students for the jobs of today and of tomorrow.

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Engagement: Beginning in K-12 schools and extending through professional development, SCALE provides opportunities for engaging learning experiences centered around microelectronics.  Through SCALE initiatives, K-12 teachers create curriculum that focuses on ME contexts and concepts.  Community college instructors are coached in integrating microelectronics into courses.  University students are given opportunities to learn and work with cutting-edge technology.  And professionals are provided continuing education to update and enhance their skills.

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DELIVERING RESULTS

SCALE: Impacting the workforce one student at a time.

Starting with K-12 and continuing through collegiate and professional education, students are exposed to the microelectronics field and its intersection with national defense.  Undergraduate and graduate students in SCALE create their own paths, tailoring their experience to meet their academic and career goals through courses, research, mentoring, and employment opportunities.

To date, significant progress has been made, including:

  • 1000+ students served to date (since Feb, 2020)

  • 700+ SCALE students currently enrolled at SCALE universities

  • 346 students graduated to date

  • Over 110 faculty and staff

  • 29 universities

  • 186 new full time job placements recorded

  • Over 70% of graduating students entered defense microelectronics sector or graduate school

  • Demonstrated 80% SCALE acceptance rate in First-time Researcher feeder program

  • 89 public, private, and academic partners

WHO IS SCALE

SCALE: Strength in Partnership

Engagement among students, academic institutions, faculty, and public-private partners is crucial to the success of SCALE.  The program employs a lifecycle engagement model that includes specialized coursework, training, work experiences, and job opportunities for U.S. citizens in the microelectronic defense industry.