AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Community College has received a $7.5 million grant to help fund and expand its semiconductor program.
ACC received $7.5 million from a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) grant.
The grants were awarded to ACC partners, the Semiconductor Training Center, the University of Texas at Austin (UT) and the Texas Institute of Electronics (TIE), according to an ACC announcement.
UT and TIE distributed funds to program partners and provided funding to ACC to expand existing training programs and develop new programs to support their work.
Related | ACC, University of Texas open new semiconductor training center
ACC is the only community college among 18 partnering academic institutions, according to the announcement, adding that it was selected because of its “robust course suite and advanced training in semiconductor manufacturing.”
The grant brings the total funding awarded to ACC by UT and TIE to $11.25 million.
As part of this partnership, ACC will provide a semiconductor workforce training program in support of DARPA grant activities.
ACC recently developed the Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start (STARS) curriculum as a way for students to work and simultaneously earn college credits.
The first training programs from the university’s Semiconductor Training Center are expected to begin as early as January 2025.
“I am extremely proud of the work ACC is doing to support the local semiconductor industry. Our education and training programs connect students directly with employers, and I am honored to know that UT and TIE have entrusted ACC with these funds to continue building our curriculum,” said ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lawrie Hart. “The work being done now helps ensure that our training is directly aligned with the workforce needs here in Central Texas.”
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