Central State University’s Intel-sponsored summer internship program doubles intern participants in second year

FAIRBORN — Central State University's Semiconductor Education and Research Program (SERP) welcomed 39 high school and undergraduate students to the second annual Intel-sponsored summer internship for women and underrepresented minorities on June 3. 

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This year's program, hosted at the Wright State University and State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton campuses, marked the start of an intensive, eight-week journey in microelectronics and semiconductor technology. The program aims to engage and empower talented individuals from diverse communities by providing them with comprehensive learning experiences in microelectronics. 

"This program is a pivotal step in bridging the gap between academia and industry," said Dr. Mohammadreza Hadizadeh, Central State's SERP program director. "By providing hands-on experience and direct industry engagement, we are preparing our students to be the innovators of tomorrow's technology.   

"The partnership between CSU and WSU for this internship program exemplifies the strength of collaborative efforts in higher education. Together, we are fostering a diverse and skilled workforce that will drive future advancements in the semiconductor industry."  

Before visiting several labs, the interns listened to welcoming remarks from speakers, including Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, incoming President at Central State University; Dr. Susan Edwards, president of WSU; and Jim Evers, Intel vice president and Ohio site manufacturing and operations manager. 

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Most of the semiconductor industry is located outside the United States and is highly concentrated in Southeast Asia. For national security and economic reasons, both the U.S. public and private sectors have agreed that more talent needs to be developed domestically, Kuti said.  

"Intel has invested $20 billion in Ohio so that students like you can be successful," he said, adding Central State is thrilled to partner with Wright State on this vital program.  

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"We are cooperating to make sure that we both walk together to produce the best talent and students that we can possibly have," he said.   

Intel's Evers emphasized the importance of investing in the future workforce in light of the national dialogue surrounding AI and the chips essential for driving our digital world. He urged the interns to contemplate whether pursuing a career in this field is something they are interested in. 

"If you join this industry, you will have a career that is in high demand," Evers said. "Part of the reason that we invested is because when you look out to 2030 in this industry, there's a significant shortage of talent. ... There are not as many underrepresented minorities and women who have been interested in this industry until now."  

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Evers said the industry presents high-paying jobs in clean room environments through advanced manufacturing. "This is your chance to test it out, to see if it's the right fit. If you choose this (industry), I can tell you that you'll be in high demand because the industry needs you."  

This year's program received a tremendous response with 284 applications. From those, 39 outstanding interns were selected, including 34 students from 10 Ohio higher education institutions and five high school students. Twenty-two students from Central State were chosen through the competitive application process. 

The internship program provides a robust educational and practical experience in critical areas, such as microelectronics fabrication and design, printed circuit board fabrication and design, security, and additive microfabrication. It features morning lectures and afternoon hands-on lab practice five days a week. 

Each intern will receive a $5,000 stipend and food allowance and paid accommodation at WSU campus guest houses. In addition to 35 interns at Wright State, four will spend their internship at the SUNY-Binghamton campus.   

For more information, visit the CSU SERP website at https://www.centralstate.edu/semiconductors.