To develop the next generation of semiconductor innovators, the Boise State Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research and the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance have launched the groundbreaking course “Chip, Chip, Long Live!” – Designed specifically for students in grades 8-10 throughout the state of Idaho. As the first of three planned courses, this course is part of a broader national initiative facilitated by the CHIPS and Science Act 2022 to prepare young people for cutting-edge industries in semiconductors and microelectronics. The purpose is to enable them to be engaged.
The course, introduced in the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year, had nearly 200% higher enrollment than typical new courses.
“We’re going to have about 30 to 50 enrollees for the brand new class,” said Jolene Del Re, curriculum director for the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. “We started with over 120 students, so this is a huge success.”
The students represent all areas of Idaho, from New Meadows to Montpelier, and represent significant progress in semiconductor education in the state.
Unique gamified learning approach
Chip, chip, hurray! This is more than just a science course. To engage young learners, instructional content is being gamified to make complex topics more accessible and exciting. Students explore concepts such as basic circuit design and semiconductor applications in an interactive game-like environment. This course also introduces students to professional paths in the semiconductor industry and provides a glimpse into future career possibilities.
Eric Schneider, Encore Fellow at the Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research and one of the main content developers, emphasized that the course’s goal is to stimulate students’ curiosity about semiconductors. Schneider hopes the course will “help set students on a path of lifelong learning about semiconductors and other fields that can provide solid income and career satisfaction.”
Collaborative efforts in Idaho
Although the course subject matter is all over the place, it retains a distinctly Idaho feel: Chip, Chip, Hooray! It was developed through collaboration between local educators and industry leaders, including Micron Technology of Idaho, a major company in the semiconductor industry.
“Micron Technology is proud to collaborate with Boise State University and the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance on Chip, Chip, Hooray!” said Robert Simmons, director of Micron Gives North America. “Both Micron and the Micron Foundation are dedicated to advancing STEM education and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need for future careers in the semiconductor industry.”
“This is the first course of its kind,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be working with the Digital Learning Alliance,” said Lisa Cavell, content development specialist for the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. We emphasized the importance of local industry experts who reviewed the content to ensure accuracy and relevance.
The development team traveled across the state to explore how semiconductor technology is being used in a variety of fields, including agriculture and engineering. “With a background in semiconductors, Idaho State students can get a job in any industry and are better prepared for success,” Kabell explained. This knowledge is becoming increasingly essential for future careers in agriculture, auto mechanics, and traditional technology industries.
Additionally, it was an Idaho student who chose the name for the course. High school students came together to create this resourceful title in the Rapid Education Prototyping Summer Program, a Boise State initiative focused on challenge-based learning experiences.
Peter Liss, senior advisor for government relations at Boise State, said how excited the students were about the challenge.
“After a lot of discussion, they settled on ‘chip, chip, hurray!'” Risse said.
Background and wider perspective
The idea of “Chip, Chip, Hooray!” Founded in 2023 by Sin Ming Loo, Professor and Cyber Operations and Resilience Program Director in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His vision for integrating microelectronics education into K-12 classrooms led to his successful acquisition of a Semiconductor for All grant.
Boise State University received $5 million from the Idaho Workforce Development Council, and the university received a matching total of $10 million. This funding does more than just support tip, tip and hurray. as well as future courses that push the boundaries of microelectronics education in Idaho.
“What we’re trying to do is give every child in Idaho an opportunity to learn something about this subject,” Lu said.
The next course in the series, scheduled for release in spring 2025, will be offered for dual credit in conjunction with Boise State’s introductory electrical and computer engineering course. This allows high school students to earn college credit in engineering fields. All three classes are designed to provide unique educational opportunities for students, including those from rural areas.
“This first course is extremely important for Idaho students,” said Dan Lamborn, executive director of the Microelectronics Education and Research Institute. “There are opportunities across the state to grow our STEM efforts and expertise in a challenging but exciting industry.”
Starting with courses like this, Idaho students are positioned to become tomorrow’s semiconductor industry innovators.
“It’s important for students to know that they can be in rural Idaho and still work in this high-tech industry,” Del Ree said. “We want to keep the talent here.”
