MEDIA ADVISORY
SRP, Honeywell and ASU SkySong to host high-tech workshop for Scottsdale's Arcadia and Coronado High School students
SEMI High Tech U to introduce students to technology industry
For Arcadia and Coronado 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.
Despite the economic downturn, high-tech and aerospace industries are taking the long-term view and working with the non-profit 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.
For the past eight years, the San Jose-based SEMI Foundation has teamed with the semiconductor, solar and aerospace industry and local education communities to introduce high school kids to math and science-based curricula that can lead to high-tech careers. The program recruits a diverse student population, focusing on minorities, girls, and students who show promise, but are not necessarily A and B students.
During the 3-day SEMI High Tech U, sponsored by Salt River Project (SRP) and hosted by ASU SkySong and Honeywell, students will be introduced to high-tech industry careers including microelectronics, solar and aerospace and will:
- conduct hands-on experiments
- tour Honeywell's state-of-the art facility
- learn from industry experts and young entrepreneurs
The hands-on program, administered in partnership with the Maricopa Community Colleges, runs September 22-24 with a parent orientation on Thursday, September 17 and will have an aerospace and 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 the Maricopa Community Colleges, SRP, Honeywell and 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, 92 programs have been delivered to 2,443 students and more than 571 teachers in the U.S., France, Austria, Japan and Singapore. An additional 41,000 students have been reached through the 571 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.
All activities will be held at ASU SkySong in the Global Room, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.
Tuesday, September. 22
- 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."
- 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 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.
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 pm - Solar Energy. Students discover how photovoltaic solar panels can be combined to produce power for the smart grid.
About SRP
SRP is the third-largest public power utility in the nation, serving more than 935,000 electric customers in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
About Honeywell
Honeywell International is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.
About ASU SkySong
ASU SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, is a robust platform that supports firms entering or expanding within the United States. ASU SkySong is an innovation center designed to help companies grow by providing business services and programs offered or facilitated by Arizona State University. These services include access to market expansion services, business development support, innovation collaborations, access to capital networks, business education and a skilled workforce.
About The Maricopa Community Colleges
The Maricopa Community Colleges comprise 10 colleges, 2 skill centers and numerous education centers dedicated to educational excellence and to meeting the needs of businesses and the citizens of Maricopa County. The District is one of the largest higher education systems in the world and a major resource for business and industry and for individuals seeking education and job training.
About SEMI
SEMI is the global industry association serving the manufacturing supply chains for the microelectronic, display and photovoltaic industries. SEMI member companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical products that improve our lives. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry challenges. SEMI maintains offices in Austin, Beijing, Brussels, Hsinchu, Moscow, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.
