Sinclair Community College Joins 11 Midwest Institutions to Form Semiconductor-Focused Network

Sinclair Community College is partnering with leading research colleges and universities in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana to form the form the Midwest Regional Network to Address National Needs in Semiconductor and Microelectronics.

The network will collaboratively develop innovative solutions in higher education to best support the onshoring of the advanced semiconductor and microelectronics industry and address the industries’ research and workforce needs.

“Sinclair Community College is proud to join this innovative initiative that unites our institutions in a collective effort to build and grow a skilled workforce trained in computer science, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain management,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, President – Sinclair Community College. “This partnership directly aligns with Sinclair’s mission to find the need and endeavor to meet it through quality, affordable education that prepares students for rewarding, in-demand careers locally, regionally, and statewide.”

Joining Sinclair in the new network are:

• Case Western Reserve University
• Columbus State Community College 
• Lorain County Community College
• Michigan State University
• The Ohio State University
• Purdue University 
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Dayton
• University of Michigan 
• University of Notre Dame
• Wright State University

“Global disruptions that sparked significant shortages underscored the need for substantial investment and growth in the domestic semiconductor industry so the U.S. can remain competitive,” said Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson. “This powerhouse network of research and academic excellence will fuel transformative scientific exploration and economic development while also preparing the workforce of the future. Through this collective approach we will maximize the potential of our individual institutions and make our Silicon Heartland vision a reality.”

Each institution’s president recently signed a memorandum of understanding to form this network, which is intended to be open and is expected to grow beyond these initial institutions.

The network was formed following a two-day workshop in April hosted by Ohio State. It is a recognition of the recent decision by Intel Corporation to build new, leading-edge chip factories in Ohio and to address the broader, national efforts to promote U.S. leadership in semiconductors and microelectronics.

Partner institutions will leverage existing research, curricular and experiential learning assets, capabilities and expertise within the region and grow the collective capacity to support the domestic growth of robust semiconductor and microelectronics innovation and supply chain ecosystems.

Initial activities for the network include: 

• Develop a common, secure, information-sharing platform to make it easier to identify expertise, equipment, facilities, and curricular programs of interest to facilitate joint programming, research, and/or outreach initiatives across the network.
• Encourage regional collaborations and promote workshops around opportunities to pursue funding that will grow regional capacity to support identified needs across the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystems.
• Develop pilot mechanisms to connect existing research, facilities and curricular/training assets across the region to optimize their use to address regional needs and opportunities.