LCC part of new expansion for semiconductor education
MEDC awarding $3.6 million statewide for semiconductor education and training programs
“Michigan is leading the way in supporting the growth and development of the semiconductor industry back in the United States,” Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh said during a press conference at Fraunhofer USA's Center Midwest facility on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
“The collaboration of Michigan State and Lansing Community College will provide an incredible foundation for students, employees, employers, and entrepreneurs in communities across the Capitol-area region,” Ebersole Singh said. “It’s the first time in the history of the MEDC that we’ve ever made this large of a commitment to improve and expand semiconductor curriculum with Michigan’s higher education partners.”
MEDC is investing a combined total of more than $3.6 million statewide in 2023 grants and matching funds with higher education institutions to promote semiconductor learning and career opportunities. That total includes MEDC grants and matching funds that combined total more than $450,000 in the Capitol-area region, with $148,000 for MSU and $300,000 for LCC.
LCC is utilizing its MEDC grant of more than $260,000, combined with LCC’s matching grant of $40,000, to help support Lansing Community College’s Job Training Center in the development and delivery of a ten-day Technician Quick Start Bootcamp.
The bootcamp will prepare job seekers for employment as entry level semiconductor technicians. LCC intends to serve 60 participants throughout 2024. The program will be offered at no cost to remove barriers to participation. An LCC-sponsored marketing campaign will increase awareness of and interest in the semiconductor industry and encourage participation.
Delivery will include in-person instruction, labs, and out-of-class assignments. Evaluation will include hands-on labs, quizzes, and successful completion of an industry-recognized certification test. During the program, LCC faculty will be trained to deliver the program in a portable/mobile format throughout the multi-county “SLICE” region – the acronym for Shiawassee, Livingston, Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties – and perhaps beyond, contingent on demand and approval.
The populations served will include: job seekers; unemployed/underemployed residents in the Greater Lansing Area; low-income households; immigrants and other underserved populations; as well as individuals unable to accommodate a traditional college schedule and tuition fees.
In its first year, the program will be offered in-person at LCC’s Livingston County Center, with possible short-term delivery at its campuses in both downtown and West Lansing. LCC’s anticipated start date is March 2024, with a 15-person cohort each quarter throughout 2024. Post-grant, the program will be institutionalized at LCC on campus and at various non-campus locations.
“Today’s announcement poses a win-win-win proposition for our state,” said Lansing Community College Job Training Center Director Lee Gardner.
“It’s a win for LCC, our current students as well as our future prospective students,” Gardner said. “It’s a win for the Greater Lansing area by providing more affordable opportunities to keep our talent close to home. And, it’s a win for the State of Michigan to demonstrate again that we are prioritizing second-to-none the growth of the semiconductor industry in Michigan.”
About Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College, founded in 1957, is one of the largest community colleges in Michigan, serving more than 14,500 students across a six-county area each year. LCC offers courses in general education for those interested in transferring to a four-year institution, career and workforce development, developmental education and personal enrichment. To meet the professional development and training needs of regional employees, the college offers customized programs for credit, non-credit and continuing education. The Transfer Center at LCC offers students the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from five partner universities on the downtown LCC campus. For more information, visit lcc.edu.
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The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Officer, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730; Employee Coordinator 504/ADA, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1875; Student Coordinator 504/ADA, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1885; Human Resource Manager/Employee Title IX Coordinator, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1879; Student Title IX Coordinator, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-9632.