The University of Arkansas has received a $1 million grant to enhance its electronics education programs, focusing on preparing students for the semiconductor industry. This initiative is designed to meet workforce demands by offering both credit and non-credit courses that cover key topics such as electronics, packaging, manufacturing, automation technologies, data analytics, and semiconductor technology.
The program is led by Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering, with support from coordinators Jason Serin, Jeff Dix, and Shawn Bell. It aims to create a collaborative effort among state industries, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions to address staffing needs in the semiconductor sector.
The courses are structured into modules that allow students to gain targeted knowledge and skills, with options for stackable certificates that can be transferred to 2- and 4-year colleges. Emphasis is placed on increasing certifications in hand soldering, electronic assembly inspection, and identifying defects. Students can choose specific modules to align with their career goals, with topics including resistors, capacitors, diodes, and basic troubleshooting for faults and failures.
The program ultimately seeks to enhance the Arkansas workforce by equipping students with the skills needed for higher-paying jobs, thereby improving their future prospects and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
