Applied Materials creates path for future technology innovators

SEMICON West 2009, SANTA CLARA, USA: Applied Materials Inc. will emphasize the urgency of preparing students for the high tech jobs of the future during SEMICON West, held in San Francisco this week.

The company will also discuss how a shortage of talent may affect the industry and America’s position as a global technology leader. Additionally, Applied Materials will underscore its strong commitment to the semiconductor industry by highlighting the Applied Materials Foundation Women in Science and Technology Scholarship Program designed to encourage participation by women in science and engineering.

Also being showcased are successful initiatives promoting math, science and semiconductor technology education that are helping develop future technology innovators.

“As a global leader in a fast-changing and competitive marketplace, Applied Materials is constantly innovating and commercializing products to stay ahead of future technology trends,” said Tom St. Dennis, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ Silicon Systems Group.

“We need the best and brightest talent—the challenge for our educational system is to produce the workforce with the skills and knowledge required by the industry. We believe women can be a source of that talent in greater numbers if they are encouraged early in their education.”

To promote engagement in the industry and raise awareness of technical advances, Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation are supporting several workforce development programs around the world that build bridges between schools and business.

Women in Science and Technology Scholarship Program
To help realize the full potential of the workforce of tomorrow, the Applied Materials Foundation has launched the Women in Science and Technology Scholarship Program to encourage young women to excel in specific technical areas leading to careers in science and engineering.

Grants will be made to selected student organizations at United States-based universities that are committed to developing the next generation of women engineers.

SEMI Foundation’s High Tech U
Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation are long-time supporters of SEMI Foundation’s High Tech U for students and SEMI High Tech U Teacher Edition programs.

In a fun, three-day interactive session, students learn semiconductor manufacturing concepts and microchip logic and get a chance to understand career choices available in math and science-based professions. Students also learn about the design and physics of solar cells.

The teacher program mirrors the student session, with an emphasis on ways educators can implement program activities into their lesson plans. A primary objective of the program is to help teachers learn about math and science-based careers in high tech fields so they can advise students about educational options and career pathways.

“Applied Materials and its Foundation have supported our industry and this program from the very beginning, and in less than a decade this program has helped reach several thousand students and teachers,” said Stan Myers, president and CEO of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI).

“The goal is to build interest and excitement in young people about math and science careers and help develop the skilled workforce of tomorrow working on next generation technologies.”

Since 2001, 90 High Tech U programs have been delivered reaching approximately 2,400 students directly. An additional 41,000 students have been reached through the 476 teachers who have participated in High Tech U Teacher programs.

Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education
The goal of Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME) is to provide teachers with professional development experiences to gain additional learning and understanding of high tech practices to incorporate into their course curricula to help better prepare a strong, highly skilled workforce in math, science and technological fields.

Applied Materials, a long and active supporter of IISME, has hosted 90 Teacher Fellows since 1994. This summer nine IISME Fellows will work at Applied Materials on a variety of projects and will attend SEMICON West to learn about the latest trends and technologies driving nanomanufacturing technology into the future.