New partnership empowers teacher-leaders in semiconductors and microelectronics

The program will advance K-12 STEM leadership for these growing industries in New York and Idaho.

The University of Rochester and Boise State University have been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), supported by funding from Micron Technology, Inc., to empower K-12 STEM educators to become leaders in the rapidly expanding microelectronics and semiconductor industries in New York and Idaho.

Over the next five years, the initiative will strengthen STEM teacher leadership across both states, equipping highly trained educators to implement K-12 STEM programs that inspire all students to see themselves in STEM and explore opportunities in the microelectronics and semiconductor industries. The project will focus on fostering teacher leadership, student engagement, and educational pathways to support the emerging microelectronics ecosystem in both states.

"We are thrilled to be part of this capacity-building initiative that will empower K-12 STEM educators to shape the next generation of leaders in the semiconductor industry," says Rosita Najmi, Micron's global head of social impact and community engagement, and executive director of the Micron Foundation. "When industry, government, and educators come together like Micron has with the National Science Foundation and the University of Rochester, we not only accelerate progress and enhance the technical capabilities of institutions and stakeholders, but also exponentially increase access to quality STEM education for the leaders of tomorrow."

STEM teacher-leaders provide 'critical foundation'

Michael Daley, an associate professor and the director of the Center for Professional Development and Education Reform at the University of Rochester's Warner School of Education and Human Development, emphasizes the importance of STEM teacher-leaders. "K-12 STEM teachers provide a critical foundation for regional innovation industries," says Daley, who is the principal investigator on the grant. "They play key roles in schools by developing curricula, offering professional learning, and fostering community and industry partnerships. Supporting their leader development is essential for high-quality STEM instruction and future innovation."

"It is about preparing STEM teachers to be leaders for the rapidly expanding microelectronics or semiconductor ecosystems in Idaho and New York," adds fellow principal investigator Krishna Pakala, an associate professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering and the associate chair for the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University. "Fifteen STEM teachers-eight from Idaho and seven from New York-will undergo leadership training at their respective universities."

The project brings together a diverse team from both institutions. In addition to Daley, University of Rochester co-principal investigators include Mitchell Anthamatten, professor of chemical engineering and distinguished scientist at the University's Laboratory for Laser Energetics; Cynthia Callard, professor and associate dean for graduate studies at the Warner School; and Jennifer Kruger, director of mathematics education outreach at the Warner School's Center for Professional Development and Education Reform (CPDER). Additionally, CPDER staff members Michael Occhino, director of science education outreach, and Angela Messenger, associate director of mathematics education outreach, will serve as senior personnel.

Building local ecosystems and industry capacity

In addition to empowering educators, the grant aims to strengthen domestic capacity for the microelectronics and semiconductor industries while supporting companies headquartered in Idaho and New York. The universities will collaborate with rural and urban high-need school districts in their respective states, the Industrial Associates Program at the University of Rochester, and the Microelectronics Education and Research Center at Boise State University. Partnerships will also include nonprofit organizations such as the Idaho STEM Action Center, the Idaho Rural Schools Association, and The Story Collider.

The collaborative effort with the federal government underscores the commitment of the University of Rochester and Boise State to advancing STEM education, fostering innovation, and preparing the next generation of leaders in microelectronics and semiconductors.

"Both Idaho and New York are facing critical moments in STEM education as significant federal and private investments are being made in both states to expand semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing in the United States," shares Warner School Dean Melissa Sturge-Apple. "We are deeply grateful to the National Science Foundation for awarding this funding and to Congress for recognizing the importance of programs like this. Strong STEM teacher leaders are needed to bridge K-12 teaching and learning with regional STEM workforce opportunities and needs."

The University of Rochester is a lead partner on the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (SMART I-Corridor) that spans the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region.

"We are excited to partner with the Warner School on this important regional effort to grow the microelectronics and semiconductor industries through the Noyce STEM teacher leadership project," says Wendi Heinzelman, dean of the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. "This will introduce new collaborative activities to provide a pathway for STEM teachers to make connections to leading researchers in the field."

This project is funded through the NSF's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program and is supported in part by funds from Micron Technology, Inc. The Noyce program supports talented STEM undergraduate majors and professionals in becoming effective K-12 STEM teachers, as well as experienced K-12 teachers in becoming STEM master teachers in high-need school districts. It also supports research on the effectiveness and retention of K-12 STEM teachers in these districts.

Elected officials and leaders voice support for the partnership

US Senator Charles Schumer: "This $2.1 million federal investment will help prepare the teachers who inspire students to see themselves in STEM and connect them to the future opportunities being created in Upstate New York's booming microelectronics and semiconductor industries. From Micron's historic investment to Upstate New York's federal designation as a semiconductor Tech Hub, one of only 31 in the nation, we are building a framework that will lead the world in advanced manufacturing and research and development. However, none of that is possible without the educators who spark curiosity, train young minds, and open doors for every student to learn facts and science. I am extremely proud to deliver this funding to the University of Rochester and its partners so we can grow the teacher-leaders who will power our STEM workforce and cement Upstate New York as a global semiconductor powerhouse."

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: "Equipping K-12 students with the tools they need for careers in science and technology is one of the most critical actions we can take to ready the next generation of STEM leaders. I am thrilled that the University of Rochester is receiving funding to do just that, and am pleased the National Science Foundation recognizes the strength of New York to help lead this effort. With the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub designation and Micron's planned investment in New York State, our semiconductor and microelectronic industries will benefit from a pipeline of future STEM professionals. I look forward to working with University leadership to see the great things that come out of this programming and funding."

Congressman Joe Morelle: "The University of Rochester is one of the cornerstones of our community, providing students and researchers with the tools they need to succeed in leading-edge technological fields. This award from the National Science Foundation highlights UR's strong commitment to research and innovation. I'm grateful to the National Science Foundation for their continued investment in science and technology, and I look forward to all the opportunities that arise from this partnership."

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney: "I congratulate the University of Rochester on receiving this NSF award to strengthen STEM teacher leadership. By preparing educators to inspire the next generation of innovators, this initiative will open pathways for students into careers in semiconductors and microelectronics. These industries are vital to our economic future and national security. This grant will complement Micron's historic investment in Central New York and reinforces Upstate New York's role at the heart of America's growing semiconductor ecosystem."

Joseph Stefko, president and CEO of OneROC and Regional Innovation Officer for the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub: "Congratulations to the University of Rochester and Boise State University on this well-deserved NSF award. By empowering K-12 STEM teachers to become leaders, this initiative advances the foundation for the talent pipeline that will fuel the semiconductor and microelectronics industries of the future. It directly aligns with the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub's mission to expand workforce capacity, strengthen the regional ecosystem, and secure Upstate New York's leadership in this critical industry. We are proud to celebrate this partnership and look forward to the impact it will have on both students and our region's economic growth."