AFT Expands High School Curriculum for Careers in Semiconductor Industry

Innovative Curriculum Framework Expands to Boost Semiconductor Workforce

WASHINGTON—A groundbreaking educational toolkit designed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and its partners is set to broaden its reach to Michigan and Minnesota, thanks to a federal grant aimed at enhancing the skills of students for careers in the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry.

The Advanced Technology Framework, which debuted in 10 New York state school districts, was crafted with the collaboration of New York State United Teachers, local educators, and Micron Technology. This curriculum framework is intended to guide students toward prosperous middle-class careers in the high-tech microchip sector post-graduation. With the new $1.72 million grant from Natcast, part of the National Semiconductor Technology Center consortium established by the CHIPS and Science Act, nearly 1,500 students will engage with this framework across three states.

Designed to incorporate industry-based career exploration, the framework aims to immerse students in deep learning activities such as information analysis, critical thinking, and practical skill application. AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized the potential impact, stating, “What we seeded in New York will now spread as a model nationwide. These frameworks pave student pathways to the booming microchip sector and lead directly to good middle-class jobs. They connect teacher expertise and student passions to career, college and life.”

The AFT Educational Foundation will spearhead the project's expansion, leveraging expertise from NYSUT and the United Federation of Teachers in New York City, alongside Micron's industry influence. As the framework extends to Michigan and Minnesota, an additional 60 teachers are expected to pilot the program during the 2025-26 academic year, ultimately benefiting approximately 1,440 students overall.

Micron Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer April Arnzen expressed optimism about the expanded partnership, stating, “The first-of-its-kind framework, developed by Micron and teachers and launched in New York, will help integrate industry-based career exploration to engage students in STEM careers.”

In Michigan, the curriculum will focus on electric vehicle battery manufacturing, aligning with the state’s semiconductor sector, while Minnesota’s program will collaborate with Polar Semiconductor and other local partners. This strategic alignment ensures that students gain skills directly applicable to their local industries, thereby enhancing their employment prospects.

Prominent figures such as Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have voiced support for the initiative, noting, “The AFT’s innovative leadership in and commitment to preparing our workforce is critical to the successful growth of the semiconductor industry in Upstate New York and across the country.”

NYSUT President and AFT Vice President Melinda Person highlighted the program’s significance, saying, “We are proud that New York’s educators and elected officials are showing the country what our partnerships can achieve for students and communities, and excited to see these opportunities expand across the nation.”

Michael Mulgrew, UFT President and AFT Vice President, also expressed enthusiasm about the initiative’s impact, adding, “New York will then be a model for Minnesota and Michigan. We are proud to be making this happen for not only our students but students across the nation.”

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