Kelly, Sinema Celebrate $1.7 Million CHIPS and Science Award for Maricopa Community College to Expand Semiconductor Technician Training
The award is from the CHIPS and Science Act, which was negotiated by Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema to bring microchip manufacturing back to America, create jobs, and strengthen national security
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) will receive $1.7 million in funding to expand training programs for microchip manufacturing jobs in Arizona. The funding is a part of the CHIPS and Science law, led by Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema.
The funding was awarded through the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program—established by Kelly and Sinema’s CHIPS and Science law—and will enable MCCCD to continue leading transformative workforce development programs in Arizona aimed at closing crucial workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry.
“As Arizona’s microchip industry continues to grow, there will be even more demand for a trained workforce ready to work the jobs of the future,” said Kelly. “This funding will allow Maricopa County Community College District to expand their Quick Start semiconductor technician training program—preparing more Arizonans with the skills they need to start great-paying careers without a four-year degree. By investing in our workforce, we’re strengthening Arizona’s position as a leader in microchip manufacturing and ensuring our nation’s competitiveness and security.”
“This investment from our bipartisan CHIPS and Science law will ensure Maricopa Community Colleges can continue providing talented Arizonans with the tools and training to thrive, protect our national security, and strengthen Arizona’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Sinema.
Currently offered at three of the system’s 10 colleges—Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and Mesa Community College—this funding will allow MCCCD to expand its Semiconductor Technician Quick Start training to Glendale Community College, ensuring geographic coverage for individuals seeking training throughout the Valley. Kelly has visited the Quick Start training facility at Estrella Mountain Community College where he toured their manufacturing laboratories and learned more about their program that teaches students the skills needed to fill these high-paying jobs without a four-year degree.
Additionally, MCCCD will develop and implement the Maricopa Accelerated Semiconductor Training (MAST) program, building on the Quick Start program to provide course training for in-demand positions.
As the largest workforce training provider in the state, MCCCD’s expanded programming will prepare an additional 300 individuals for careers as semiconductor technicians in Arizona’s booming microchip industry, addressing the region’s growing demand for highly skilled workers and reinforcing Arizona’s position as a global microchip leader.
Kelly and Sinema worked for nearly two years to negotiate and champion the CHIPS and Science Act, a $52 billion plan to boost domestic microchip manufacturing. Thanks to their leadership, Arizona is well positioned to become a global hub for microelectronics research, development, testing, manufacturing, and packaging. With new semiconductor facilities being constructed in Maricopa County, Arizona workers are already feeling the impact of this historic law.
Since the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, more than $102 billion in private investment from more than 40 semiconductor industry projects have been announced in Arizona.
