Educators Key to Building Micron's Workforce, Says U.S. Secretary of Commerce

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo visited Syracuse on Thursday to participate in a roundtable discussion about Micron’s new educational initiative aimed at preparing students for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry. With Micron’s state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication plant set to open in the town of Clay, the pilot program is designed to equip students with the skills they need for high-tech roles.

Raimondo was joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Micron executives, and representatives from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), all of whom stressed the pivotal role teachers play in developing the future workforce.

“We are creating thousands of jobs through CHIPS, and these opportunities will go to students who learn real-world skills that directly align with industry needs,” Raimondo remarked. “That’s what this program is all about.”

The focus of the roundtable was Micron’s pilot initiative, which targets middle school students, teaching them the foundational skills necessary to work in advanced technology industries like semiconductor manufacturing.

Randi Weingarten, President of the AFT, emphasized the critical role of education in maintaining the U.S. as a leader in innovation. "We must innovate if we want to outcompete globally, and our kids need to develop strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience,” Weingarten said.

Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of creating a workforce pipeline that can meet the demands of future jobs, stating, "We won’t be able to fill these thousands of positions without teachers who understand the demands of the industry and can prepare students accordingly."

April Arnzen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Micron, agreed, saying, "It starts with the educators. They are the ones who will lay the foundation for this. By investing in our teachers and giving them the right tools and frameworks, they can inspire students and prepare them for the future workforce."

Launched last December, the New York Advanced Technology Framework is now in full swing, providing a curriculum for middle and high school students that emphasizes hands-on, practical learning. Micron has taken steps to ensure educators involved in the program understand the scale of the industry by sending them to tour its facility in Virginia.

One of those teachers, Alexis Williams, shared her experience, stating, “Seeing the facility firsthand really opened my eyes to what needs to be done. After that, I could conceptualize the type of education and training my students need.”

Williams is now one of the educators piloting the program, which emphasizes "learning by doing." She explained, “Once students start working with their hands, everything clicks into place. We’re focusing on design thinking and hands-on experiential learning, which is key to success.”

Another pilot teacher, Sarah Loudon, shared her excitement about providing students with a clear purpose for their education. "I love being able to show my students that what they are learning now can lead to a fulfilling career. It’s about more than just education—it’s about building a future where they can support themselves and their families."

Currently, the pilot program is available in 10 schools, with plans to expand throughout the state over the next three years. As the program grows, more students will have access to this innovative curriculum, positioning them for success in a high-demand industry.