The bill aims to amend parts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, refining and expanding its impact. Here’s a breakdown of the main provisions and their potential ripple effects across the technology landscape and beyond.
One of the centerpiece provisions is the establishment of a grant program earmarked for educational institutions. The target beneficiaries are diverse: institutions primarily granting associate degrees or lower, postsecondary vocational institutions, and career and technical education schools. These grants will fuel programs that are aligned with the semiconductor sector, from manufacturing processes to advanced packaging and microelectronics.
Eligible partnerships—comprising these educational institutions, pertinent industry players, and state or tribal governments—can snag a maximum grant of $7 million, over a duration not exceeding five years. However, a caveat exists: the federal government will not foot more than half the bill; the rest must come from non-federal sources, including private sector investments.
The intent here is clear: cultivate a steady pipeline of skilled workers capable of sustaining and advancing America’s semiconductor industry. This is critical, given the sector’s foundational role in everything from consumer electronics to defense technologies.
Beyond fostering skill development at the grassroots level, the bill mandates the creation of a single publicly accessible online clearinghouse containing a treasure trove of information on microelectronics education and workforce development. Managed jointly by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), or solely by the NSTC if agreed upon, this resource aims to streamline access to information and prevent duplication of efforts across federal agencies.
To keep tabs on progress and ensure accountability, the NSF must establish key performance indicators within 90 days of the bill’s enactment. These metrics will gauge the effectiveness of the fund allocations in bolstering the microelectronics workforce, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being put to good use.
The NSF and the Secretary of Commerce are tasked with developing and submitting quantitative workforce goals to specific Congressional committees. These goals will act as the North Star for semiconductor workforce development initiatives, aligning federal and local efforts to create a robust talent pool.
A particularly ambitious aspect of the bill is the requirement for a national strategy on microelectronics workforce development. Spearheaded by a subcommittee including the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Veterans Affairs, this strategy will chart a five-year plan addressing both immediate and long-term objectives. Essential to this strategy will be the alignment of federal investments with broader educational and research goals, ensuring synergies with existing initiatives like STEM education.
To ensure transparency and public accountability, this national strategy, along with progress reports, will be made publicly available through the designated clearinghouse. This level of transparency isn’t just lip service; it’s a cornerstone of the bill’s approach to sustaining public trust and engagement.
Importantly, the bill assigns a considerable chunk of change to fund these initiatives, authorizing $50 million annually for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. This funding pool will support various workforce development activities, from creating new educational programs to expanding existing ones.
In a down-to-earth ripple effect, the legislation stands to benefit not just tech moguls and academics but also everyday folks who might find new career opportunities in this burgeoning field. By prioritizing grants for partnerships located in regions with evolving microelectronics ecosystems, the bill aims to nurture local and state-level job markets, bringing high-tech job opportunities closer to home. Moreover, the inclusion of veterans and individuals with employment barriers could democratize access to these coveted jobs, fostering an inclusive growth narrative.
Now, a piece of fine print worth noting: no federal agency is allowed to create redundant educational and workforce clearinghouses. This prevents bureaucratic bloat and ensures all efforts funnel into a unified, efficient system overseen by the NSF and NSTC.
To summarize, the CHIPS Training in America Act of 2024 seeks to develop a robust, skilled workforce to power America’s semiconductor industry forward—through strategic funding, coordinated efforts, and transparent tracking of progress. This legislation hinges on the belief that educating and training our workforce isn’t just an investment in individuals; it’s an investment in America’s future.
