News

Innovative Program Addresses State’s High-Tech Workforce Needs — Students See Math and Science as Link to Some of Oregon’s Highest Paying Jobs

WHAT: A number of high school girls — including recent immigrants from Russia and other Eastern European countries — will be part of a group of students learning about high-tech careers next week. They’ll be attending High Tech U, October 11-13, presented by global industry association SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials Institute) in partnership with co-sponsors IDT™ (Integrated Device Technology, Inc.), Worksystems, Inc., PGE and the Portland Development Commission. High Tech U aims to ensure that Portland area high school students will be part of tomorrow’s high-tech workforce by energizing and exciting them about math and science, and high-tech careers.

The computer and electronic product manufacturing industry, including semiconductors, is Oregon's largest high-tech employment sector and could benefit from a larger pool of local engineering and technology graduates. The industry offers high wage jobs that could be filled by our future local workforce — if they have the necessary education.

Approximately 30 students will participate in the program. Schools represented are Century, David Douglas, Grant, Hillsboro, Jefferson and Liberty High Schools. Approximately half of the students are participants in Worksystems, Inc. funded programs at IRCO, Oregon Human Development Corporation and Portland YouthBuilders. Portland State University is conducting a tour of its Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science.

WHERE: Wednesday and Friday activities will be held at the IDT Training Room, (3131 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro). Thursday activities take place at Portland State University’s Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science (1930 S.W. Fourth Avenue, Portland).

BEST VISUAL/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Wednesday, October 11 — All Wednesday events at IDT Training Room, 3131 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro.

1 -2 p.m. — Hacky Sack Catapult: The air is filled with hacky sacks as kids learn how medieval technology relates to modern day chip making in a math and statistics exercise called "Statapult."

2-3 p.m. — Electronic Peg Board: Students develop working circuits similar to those on a chip.

Thursday, October 12 — Thursday events at PSU’s Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, 1930 S.W. Fourth Avenue, Portland.

9:45 a.m.-11:15 a.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.

1:35-3:35 p.m. — Hands-on Lab: Students don lab coats; conduct technical experiments demonstrating principles of electronics and chemistry.

Friday, October 13 — All Friday events at IDT Training Room, 3131 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro.

9:40-10:10 — Students learn how to "bunnie up" donning suits for clean room access.
4:30 – 4:50 p.m. — Graduation and Awarding of Scholarships

Contacts:
Lisa Anderson, SEMI, 408-482-5235
Carolyn Robinson, IDT, 408-284-8515
Susan Fletcher, Worksystems, Inc., 503-478-7319
Angela Abel, Portland State University, 503-725-8794
Anne Mangan, Portland Development Commission, 503-823-2594