Austin Community College District (ACC) is one of 11 colleges and universities nationwide to receive the 2023 STEM Talent Challenge. The national competition is overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). 

ACC was awarded $364,548 to enable the college to launch Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start (STARS) Training Program. The short term program will help create pathways to entry-level employment in the semiconductor manufacturing sector as equipment maintenance and repair technicians. 

The EDA’s STEM Talent Challenge supports initiatives to train STEM talent and bolster regional innovation economies across the country. This investment is part of President Joe Biden’s plan for bolstering STEM workforce training efforts.

“As part of the Biden Administration’s commitment to investing in America, we are making sure workers have access to the skills and training they need to get good-paying jobs in growing STEM industries,” says U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Through the STEM Talent Challenge program, we’re making substantial investments in communities across the country to encourage innovation, create opportunities, and build local workforce pipelines in everything from semiconductor manufacturing to AI development.”

The funds are also supported by donations from private and public sector sources, bringing the total investment to $4.7 million across the 11 awardees. More than 90 schools submitted applications for the program.

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Tags: EDA, manufacturing, Semiconductor, STEM, STEM Talent Challenge, U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration