MEDIA ADVISORY
SRP to host high-tech workshop for high school students
SEMI High Tech U to introduce Tolleson High students to high-tech fields/solar industry
(Glendale, Ariz.) For 36 Tolleson High School students selected to participate in an innovative program called High Tech U, there is a ray of light in an otherwise gloomy economic picture.
For the past eight years, the non-profit SEMI Foundation, based in San Jose, has teamed with the semiconductor industry and the local education community to introduce high school kids to math and science-based curricula that can lead to high-tech careers.
During the 4-day SEMI High Tech U, sponsored by Salt River Project (SRP) and the Maricopa Community Colleges, the students will be introduced to careers in the microelectronics, solar, biofuels, and other high-tech industries. Students will:
- conduct hands-on experiments;
- tour an SRP solar plant and
- learn from industry experts.
Despite the economic downturn, Silicon Valley high-tech industries are taking the long-term view and working with the SEMI Foundation to make sure that when the economy turns around, there will be a supply of young women and men who are prepared to enter the high-tech workforce. The program recruits a diverse student population, focusing on minorities, girls, and students who show promise, but are not necessarily A and B students.
The hands-on program, administered by the SEMI Foundation, runs March 11 to 13 at Glendale Community College and will have a renewable energy focus as a way of introducing students to one of the country's growing technology sectors. The sessions will also include training on educational opportunities and career planning. Volunteers from Glendale Community College, SRP and other high-tech companies will serve as instructors.
High Tech U was created by San Jose, Calif.-based SEMI as a way of getting more students interested in science, math and high-tech careers. Since High Tech U began in 2001, 80 programs have been delivered to 2,200 students and more than 330 teachers in the U.S., France, Austria, Japan and Singapore. An additional 41,000 students have been reached through the 476 teachers who have participated in High Tech U Teacher Edition programs.
There will be opportunities to talk to high-tech industry experts on the state of the industry in the current economy as well as students and educators on their views of the future.
Best visual opportunities
(All activities except the solar tour will be held at Glendale Community College Student Union at 6000 W. Olive Ave. in Glendale.)
Wednesday, March 11
- 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Hacky Sack Catapult: The air is filled with hacky sacks as students learn how medieval technology relates to modern day chip-making in a math and statistics exercise called "Statapult."
- 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Human Calculator: Using a "feet on" exercise, like the game "Twister," students try not to get tangled up as they simulate electron microprocessor flow.
Thursday, March 12
- 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Solar Tour: Tour of the solar installation at the Agua Fria Generating Station, address
- 1:30 - 3:15 - Biofuels: Don't be Fuelish: Using common chemicals found in Glendale Community College's state-of-the-art biotechnology lab, students will make biodiesel and use it to fuel a motorized device.
Friday, March 13
- 4:30 p.m. - Graduation and reception.
About SRP
SRP is the third-largest public power utility in the nation, serving more than 925,000 electric customers in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.srpnet.com.
About MATEC
MATEC, a member of the Academic and Student Affairs Division at the Maricopa County Community College District, is one of 34 national Advanced Technological Education centers funded by the National Science Foundation. For more information, visit www.matec.org.
About SEMI
SEMI is the global industry association serving the manufacturing supply chains for the microelectronic, display and photovoltaic industries. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets, and meet common industry challenges. For more information, visit www.semi.org.
