California’s semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly, yet workforce shortages threaten the growing demand for skilled technicians and advanced manufacturing professionals. Semiconductor Pathways for Advancing Regional Knowledge (Project SPARK) will expand Ohlone College’s Semiconductor Skills Bridge Academy (SSBA), an earn-and-learn workforce training program that prepares students for careers in semiconductor manufacturing. With evidence of success, the SSBA pilot combines stackable industry-recognized credentials, credit and noncredit coursework, structured work-based learning, employer partnerships, and completion stipends that reduce financial and logistical barriers to career entry, paid by another funding source.
Project SPARK will develop AI-enabled, culturally responsive, and highly interactive learning content that engages students with diverse educational backgrounds and learning preferences. These instructional materials will provide students with self-paced learning opportunities that can be accessed regardless of location or work schedule. Together, these features will create a more equitable learning environment from recruitment through program completion. The curriculum will be co-created with a platform known as ChipMango to improve student engagement, competency, and workforce readiness.
Project SPARK’s primary goals:
(1) develop a stackable Semiconductor Design and Manufacturing credential pathway that articulates to associate and, where possible, bachelor’s degree programs;
(2) strengthen employer partnerships with regional semiconductor companies to align curriculum; and
(3) produce a scalable, evidence-based model, including open educational resources, validated assessment tools, and a toolkit, for adoption across California Community Colleges.
Project SPARK will strengthen the regional semiconductor workforce pipeline and facilitate successful transitions into high-demand semiconductor careers, while advancing workforce diversity.
The project aims to serve a minimum of 330 students over the project duration.