Excelsior University military students complete immersive semiconductor learning experience in collaboration with NY Creates

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University and NY Creates collaborated on an innovative pilot program to advance workforce development in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry. Eleven Excelsior students, all active-duty military service members or veterans, traveled from around the country to NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex for a unique, hands-on learning experience at America’s most advanced nonprofit semiconductor research and development facility.  

The program emerged from Excelsior’s semiconductor workforce development efforts connected to the CHIPS Act, the SEMI Foundation, and its partnership with NY Creates, owner and operator of the Albany NanoTech Complex, at the center of the nation’s leading semiconductor R&D ecosystem. The collaboration creates opportunities for future workforce, educational, and industry partnerships as New York’s chip manufacturing industry grows, with more than $124 billion in new investments across New York since 2022. The sector is anticipated to create and support more than 525,000 American jobs.  

The immersive three-day program included behind-the-scenes tours of Albany NanoTech Complex research, manufacturing, and training environments; experiential learning opportunities with advanced semiconductor equipment and foundational technologies; connections with industry professionals; and career development sessions. Learners also had the opportunity to visit the GlobalFoundries Fab 8 facility in nearby Malta, New York, for a guided tour and career panel discussion. The experience concluded with a special ceremony on Veterans Day, recognizing student achievements in completing the program and honoring their military service.  

Participants brought a wide variety of academic, professional, and military backgrounds to the experience, illustrating that interest in the semiconductor industry extends well beyond traditional engineering roles. Students were selected for the free, noncredit program experience from more than 60 applicants. The 11 participants represent Excelsior’s strong connection to military-connected learners, a group that makes up approximately one-third of the institution’s current student population.  

“Excelsior is proud to partner with NY Creates, an organization on the leading edge of the globally vital semiconductor industry, to bring this opportunity to our military-connected learners,” said Dr. Dave Lawyer, Excelsior University director of military outreach and veteran partnerships. “This program demonstrates the boundless career opportunities available to service members and veterans when armed forces experience, higher education, and workforce development meet. Serving those who serve our country has always been at the core of Excelsior’s mission, and it was an honor to introduce these impressive students to an industry they may one day help shape.” 

“Active-duty service members and veterans bring an exceptional combination of technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and mission-focused leadership to the semiconductor industry. These are qualities that translate directly to the demands of this rapidly advancing field, which offers meaningful opportunities for individuals seeking to apply their military experience to careers at the forefront of innovation,” said Dr. Robert Geer, Creates VP for education and workforce development. “At NY Creates and through this collaboration with Excelsior University, we’re helping connect these talented individuals with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry experts needed to explore new high-tech career pathways.” 

Learn more at excelsior.edu/page/semiconductor-immersion.  

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Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY 

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.   

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.  

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.  

ABOUT NY CREATES 

NY Creates serves as a lab-to-fab bridge for advanced electronics, fostering public-private and industry-academic partnerships for technology development and innovation. Creates attracts and leads industry-connected innovation and commercialization projects that secure significant investment, advance R&D in emerging technologies, and generate the jobs of tomorrow. Creates runs some of the most advanced facilities in the world, boasts more than 2,700 industry experts and faculty, and manages public and private investments of $25 billion—placing it at the global epicenter of high-tech innovation and commercialization.