Explore the technology, workplaces, and career pathways powering the products we use every day.
Curious about the technology behind smartphones, computers, vehicles, artificial intelligence, and other products that power daily life?
Join Excelsior University and NY Creates for a free, behind-the-scenes experience designed to help you understand the semiconductor industry and discover how your education, military service, professional experience, and/or interests could connect to this growing high-tech field.
November 8-11,2026
Must Be On-Site in Albany, New York
Currently Enrolled Excelsior Students
Military and Veteran Friendly!
Application deadline: October 1, 2026
No previous semiconductor knowledge or technical experience is required.
NY Creates is a world-leading research, development, and workforce innovation organization helping advance the future of semiconductor technology and advanced manufacturing.
Located in Albany, NY Creates brings together industry, education, and innovation to strengthen the nation’s semiconductor workforce. Through this immersive experience, students gain rare access to the facilities, technologies, and professionals helping shape the future of the industry.
Step Inside the Semiconductor Industry
The Semiconductor Industry Immersion Experience is a free, three-day, noncredit program that introduces Excelsior students to semiconductor manufacturing, advanced technology, industry workplaces, and career pathways.
Participants will explore real-world environments, take part in guided technical activities, engage with industry professionals, and consider how their existing strengths can translate into new professional opportunities.
Dates
November 8–11, 2026 (arrival and orientation plus a three-day experience)
Location
Albany, New York
Cost
No program fee for selected participants
Who can apply
Excelsior students from all degree areas; no previous semiconductor experience required
Application deadline
October 1, 2026
Availability
Limited to a small cohort
What You’ll Experience
The current agenda includes introductions to the semiconductor industry, facility and clean room observation, equipment and workflow overviews, guided technical demonstrations, industry engagement, and career pathway exploration.
Connect with Industry Professionals
Meet technicians, engineers, operations professionals, and industry leaders who support semiconductor research and manufacturing.
Translate Your Experience
Consider how military training, workplace experience, academic coursework, and transferable skills may connect to opportunities across the semiconductor industry.
Identify Your Next Step
Explore career pathways, educational options, stackable credentials, and opportunities to continue building relevant skills.
Tour Advanced Facilities
Step inside semiconductor research, manufacturing, and training environments.
Participate in Hands-On Learning
Explore selected semiconductor equipment, electrical systems, clean room operations, vacuum systems, and other foundational technologies through guided activities.
Experience a Virtual Clean Room
Use virtual reality to explore a semiconductor clean room environment and become familiar with clean room procedures and working conditions.
Your 3-Day Experience
Day 1
Discover the Industry
Learn what semiconductors are, why they matter, how the industry operates, and how semiconductor facilities and manufacturing systems work.
Day 2
Experience the Work
Participate in guided technical activities, explore clean room environments, and gain exposure to real-world semiconductor operations.
Day 3
Connect Skills to Careers
Meet industry professionals, explore technical and nontechnical roles, connect your experience to potential pathways, and identify practical next steps.
Why Participate?
More Than a Facility Tour
Understand an industry that may be unfamiliar to you.
Experience technical environments before committing to a new educational or career direction.
Learn about both technical and nontechnical career opportunities.
Connect directly with professionals working in the field.
Recognize the value of skills gained through employment, military service, and education.
Identify realistic education and career next steps.
Bring Your Experience. Explore New Possibilities.
The experience is open to Excelsior students from all degree areas and levels of technical experience.
You should consider applying if you are:
A student veteran, active-duty service member, or military-connected learner
An engineering, technology, computer science, cybersecurity, or information technology student
A business or liberal arts student interested in opportunities within a technology-focused industry
An adult learner exploring a career transition
A student approaching graduation and considering future career options
A working professional interested in advanced manufacturing
Simply curious about the semiconductor industry and the careers supporting it
You do NOT need:
Previous semiconductor experience
A technology degree
Prior clean room or manufacturing experience
Advanced engineering knowledge
FAQ
A semiconductor is a material used to control electrical signals. Semiconductor devices, commonly called chips, are essential components in products such as smartphones, computers, vehicles, communications systems, and many other modern technologies.
No. The experience is designed for learners with different academic, professional, and technical backgrounds. Students from all degree areas are welcome to apply.
Yes. There is no program cost for selected participants. The program will cover approved round-trip airfare, train travel, rental car expenses, or mileage reimbursement in accordance with program guidelines. Participants are responsible for transportation between the hotel and the NY Creates facility, dinner meals, snacks, hotel incidentals, and any other personal expenses incurred during the program. Additional travel and reimbursement instructions will be provided if accepted into the program.
No. This is a noncredit industry and career exploration experience. Participants will not receive a grade.
No. All degree backgrounds are welcome. Student veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected learners are especially encouraged to apply.
The program will take place in Albany, New York, at the NY Creates Albany NanoTech Complex. Selected participants will receive final reporting, transportation, lodging, security, and site access details directly from the program team after acceptance into the program.
You will need Excelsior’s approval to pursue an internship for credit and have it applied to your degree program. For more information, contact your Excelsior University academic advisor.
Yes. All participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license, state identification card, or passport, when checking in for the program and visiting partner facilities.
Failure to present these documents upon check-in will result in the inability to participate in the program.
U.S. citizens must present a valid state-issued ID or passport.
Permanent residents (green-card holders) are welcome to apply and must present both a valid photo ID and their Permanent Resident Card (green card) as part of the application process and at check-in.
Non-U.S. citizens must submit to a background check conducted by NY Creates before participating in the program. This process can take up to three weeks to complete. Failure to pass the background check, as determined by NY Creates, will result in disqualification from the program.
Participants selected for the program will receive additional information regarding identification and security requirements prior to the experience.
Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2026.
Selected participants will receive additional instructions from Excelsior University. The final process, selection notification date, and applicant requirements should be inserted once confirmed.
Ready to Explore the Future?
Step inside the semiconductor industry, connect with professionals, and discover where your education, experience, and interests can take you.
For more information or to ask questions, please email us at:clas@excelsior.edu
