UA receives $1 million from state Department of Higher Education
by May 5, 2025 12:59 pm 429 views
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education has awarded $1 million to the University of Arkansas to expand electronics education by developing credit and non-credit courses related to workforce needs in the semiconductor industry, according to a Monday (May 5) news release.
Alan Mantooth, a Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering, will be the principal investigator for the award. Students can receive basic skills to establish careers in the semiconductor industry, and existing employees can increase their skills.
“This grant offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the Arkansas workforce, specifically in the semiconductor and electronics industries,” Mantooth said. “It provides students access to continued education that will equip them for higher-paying jobs, improving their futures, therefore improving the future of our state.”
The award is expected to help establish a statewide program that connects area industry, K-12 education and higher education institutions to collaborate in improving the knowledge and skills needed to meet employment needs in the semiconductor industry. This includes coordinating on education related to electronics, packaging, manufacturing and automation technologies, and data analytics.
The goals of the program include increasing the number of certifications in hand soldering and inspection of electronic assemblies, with the ability to recognize defects and nonconformities. Classes will cover how to solder and mount components onto printed circuit boards using automated machines and equipment. Other classes comprise foundational elements of electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors and diodes, and troubleshooting for faults and failures in circuit boards.
The program will be modular, like the award from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to the UA to help increase the number of data science certificates and degrees in Arkansas.
It will offer stackable certificates and coursework that can be transferred between two- and four-year colleges. Participants can choose which modules to take to fill skills gaps.
Along with Mantooth, following are the other program coordinators: Jason Serin, chief of operations for the UA Power Group; Jeff Dix, an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the UA; and Shawn Bell, director of workforce development for the UA Power Group.