Governor Glenn Youngkin celebrates Micron’s MSI Semiconductor Network launch
Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has commended the launch of Micron’s Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Semiconductor Network and the new collaboration between Micron, GlobalFoundries, and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This partnership will provide funding opportunities for MSIs across the nation, including Virginia’s Norfolk State University, Hampton University, and Virginia State University.
“Micron has been a valuable corporate partner to Virginia’s Education system, with a long history of investing in Virginia’s HBCUs, including their support of the Micron-Norfolk State University Nanofabrication Cleanroom,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Private sector leadership is critical to bringing STEM opportunities and innovation to our higher education institutions, and Micron’s latest announcement is another demonstration of its commitment to expanding opportunity, increasing access, and embracing innovation in Virginia.”
Micron’s dedication to education is evident through its numerous initiatives aimed at supporting diverse learning communities. “Micron is investing in people and partnerships to expose learners from every background to opportunities they may not otherwise have. The inclusion of three local HBCUs in Micron’s MSI Semiconductor Network further bolsters our longstanding support of education in Virginia,” said April Arnzen, executive vice president and chief people officer at Micron and president of the Micron Foundation. “We’re honored to see initiatives like Micron’s MSI Semiconductor Network, which are at the forefront of our industry’s efforts to prepare the semiconductor workforce and research ecosystem to meet growing demand for talent, recognized by government leaders in the U.S. and globally.”
On May 21, Micron launched its MSI Semiconductor Network. This partnership includes 15 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), and Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-serving institutions (AANAPISIs). The goal is to expand the STEM talent pipeline and create a more inclusive and prepared semiconductor workforce. The founding partners of the network were selected for their strong engineering and STEM programs. The network spans eleven states and the District of Columbia, uniting thousands of STEM students, teaching labs, cleanrooms, and fostering collaboration across institutions.
Micron and the Micron Foundation have a deep-rooted commitment to their MSI partners. They have funded the Micron-Norfolk State University Nanofabrication Cleanroom, created the Micron Academy of Inclusive Leadership programs at Spelman College, and supported experiential learning student programs at Northern Arizona University and Howard University. Micron leaders are actively involved on boards and technical committees across the MSI Semiconductor Network. Notably, Micron has been recognized for five consecutive years as a Top Supporter of HBCU engineering schools.
This latest announcement follows Virginia’s legislative panel’s unanimous approval of a state incentive package to support Micron’s proposed investment to modernize its existing fab in Manassas. Micron confirms this proposed investment in Virginia and the creation of new high-paying jobs is contingent on the full award of federal CHIPS Act funding. The company has submitted a CHIPS application for Virginia to the Department of Commerce.
“Micron’s proposed expansion marks an unparalleled opportunity for Virginia, and the nation, to demonstrate leadership in key semiconductor memory technologies for long lifecycle applications in the global automotive and aerospace industries,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We are working with Federal partners, to ensure Micron’s application is as competitive as possible, so we can bring this project to fruition, in Virginia.”
Micron’s initiatives are crucial for developing the next generation of STEM professionals. By investing in diverse educational institutions and creating opportunities for underrepresented students, Micron is playing a significant role in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry. The partnership with MSIs will help build a more robust and inclusive workforce, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the chance to excel in STEM fields.
Governor Youngkin’s support for these initiatives highlights the importance of private sector leadership in advancing educational opportunities and innovation. As the semiconductor industry continues to grow, collaborations like these will be essential in meeting the increasing demand for skilled professionals.
Micron’s MSI Semiconductor Network and the collaboration with GlobalFoundries and NSF represent a significant step forward in promoting STEM education and inclusivity. The support from government leaders and the potential for federal funding through the CHIPS Act underscore the importance of these efforts in driving technological advancement and economic growth in Virginia and beyond.