Microelectronics and
Nanomanufacturing
Certificate Program
for Military Veterans
Get the Training You Need to Join a Growing Workforce!
Designed specifically for veterans, the Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program (MNCP) helps meet the needs of a growing microelectronics and semiconductor workforce. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this innovative approach features live-streamed lectures delivered by Penn State’s Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization (CNEU) faculty to seven regional community college partners, and includes substantial hands-on-site training in a cleanroom environment at the local partner universities. Participants enrolled in this 12-week program will learn the principles and practices they need to succeed when they enter the semiconductor industry.
Participants should have a basic understanding of high school physics and chemistry and have access to a laptop or desktop computer to access course assignments, grades, and other materials.
Lectures will be live-streamed to participants via Zoom Monday through Friday from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET for east coast nodes and 5 pm PT / 6 pm MT for west coast nodes. Additionally, participants will be trained in a cleanroom at the regional partner university (on-site) approximately twice per week for about 1-3 hours each session. Participants should expect to spend approximately 5-10 hours a week on assignments outside of the normal lecture and laboratory time.
Overview of basic material properties including semiconductors and nanomaterials
Overview of the broad spectrum of processing approaches involved in nanomanufacturing and microelectronics
In-depth exposure to the producing and tailoring of the materials used in nanomanufacturing
Advanced pattern transfer and pattern transfer equipment
Applications of nano-scale devices and systems
A variety of techniques and measurements essential for testing and controlling material deposition, device fabrication, and performance
Associated Articles
TCC News: TCC offers veterans gateway to lucrative microelectronics careers
607 News Now: TC3’s Course for Veterans and Their Dependents Continues on
Spectrum News 1: Veterans being trained to help meet semiconductor industry demand
Penn State Impact: Training Veterans for America’s Semiconductor Workforce
Penn State News: Multi-institution, $4.6 million NSF grant to fund nanotechnology training
TCC News: TCC joins Penn State, UTA on Microelectronics Certificate for Veterans
Penn State, MRI News: Penn State has a head start on building America’s semiconductor workforce
PBS News Hour: How Arizona is building the workforce to manufacture seimconductors in the U.S.
Cortland Standard: Veterans get a gander at nanotech training
CORTACA: TC3 to offer free course for veterans and dependents
12 News:Veterans can pursue free certificate in nanomanufacturing at TC3
Semiconductor Engineering: Veterans Could Close The Semi Industry’s Workforce Gap
ATE-Impacts, Internet Scout Research Group: MNVP’s Community College-Research University Partnerships Bring Veterans into Nanotech Workforce
Suggested Knowledge Base
Before entering the MNCP, individuals should comprehend or be familiar with the following technical concepts:
- Basic concepts of science and acclimation to the periodic table
- Basic concepts of chemical bonding
- Basic properties of matter including states of matter
- Background on simple electric circuits (e.g. resistors)
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (PowerPoint and Word, or similar office tools)
Summary of Skills Taught
- Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Basics
- Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Labs and Safety
- Equipment and Processing Skills
- Semiconductor and Nanomaterials Deposition and Processing
- Materials Characterization
- Device Fabrication and Patterning
- Microelectronic and Nano Devices, and Chips Manufacturing
- Professional Skills
Partners
Academic
Seven Strategically Located National Partner Sites
Each region includes a community college and a university in partnership to meet the needs of the veteran community. The community college typically provides the academic support, including advising and mentoring. The university typically provides access to their cleanroom facilities, equipment training, and hands-on procedures.
On the map below, either: (interactive map temporarily disabled)
- Scroll to zoom in on a specific region. Then click on either the community college marker (red) or university marker (blue) to get more information about that site.
- In the top border of the map, click on the expand icon in the upper left hand to get the full list of partner schools.
Industry
Multiple Companies Represented
This program has strong industry partnerships in microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing. Presentations by several of the companies during the program will include information about their company, information about the sector of the industry they represent, and potential job opportunties. Many will be available to help with resume preparation, job applications, and interviewing skills. Students will have exclusive access to a powerful, nation-wide netework, where they will receive industry announcements and job postings from additional high-tech industry leaders.
On the map below: (Interactive map temporarily disabled)
- Click on the expand icon to the left of “MNCP Partners” in the upper left hand corner of the top border.
- Click on the check box next to the state you want to view the industry partners for.
ASTM International Certificates
ASTM International and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technology Education (ATE) Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Resource Center under Penn State’s CNEU jointly led a Technical Advisory Committee in developing this series of Nanotechnology Workforce Certificates and exams. These exams were based on the six skill set standards for workforce education in nanotechnology that the ASTM Technical Subcommittee E56.07 established. The advisory committee was comprised of academic, business, and government members. These certificates are intended to provide employers with a basis of evaluating knowledge and qualifications of current and future employees, thereby allowing certificate holders to appropriately represent themselves in their profession and to advance their careers.
A list of certificate holders can be found on the ASTM Site.
Filter for:
• Health and Safety in Nanotechnology
• Nano Fabrication and Infrastructure
• Nanotechnology Characterization