Washtenaw Community College receives grants to implement programs in semiconductor industry topics
The grant funding comes from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and will support a new associate degree program and new certificate programs in semiconductor and battery programs.
Washtenaw Community College has received almost $2 million in grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that will support the introduction of new academic and workforce programs in the mobility sector, including semiconductor and battery programs.
According to an article on Washtenaw Community College’s website, Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, the college’s president, was quoted as saying, “WCC is proud to support Michigan’s mobility workforce through education and training. Thanks to the MEDC, these new semiconductor and battery programs will prepare students for successful and exciting careers in this growing, high-demand job area.”
The grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will support the creation and implementation of the Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology and the Advanced Certificate in Semiconductor & Battery Manufacturing, as well as a new short-term, non-credit training program that will help current industry workers upskill.
The Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology program will come with the opportunity to select one of two concentrations: Semiconductor & Battery Manufacturing or Industrial Electronics. The program will consist of 60 credits and offers four embedded certificates. It will prepare students to work in areas like semiconductor and battery manufacturing, industrial electronics, and robotics technology.
The Advanced Certificate in Semiconductor & Battery Manufacturing is an 18 credit standalone program that will prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor fabrication and battery technology.
The goal of the grant funding is to increase the performance of the semiconductor industry in the state of Michigan, which ranks within the top ten throughout the country.
While the new programs have been approved by the school’s Board of Trustees, they still must receive approval from the Higher Learning Commission before they can be offered to students.
For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit the school’s website.