I’m pretty sure the time I got to spend last week at the SEMI High Tech U Graduation ceremonies was the most fun I’ve had all year. The event was held at KLA Tencor in San Jose, CA, November 13, 2014, and I was invited to participate as a guest mock-interviewer, and also to present the very first 3D InCites Awards Scholarship, in the amount of $2500, to Alexis Corona, a deserving young man who was a previous graduate of the program in April 2013, and plans to pursue a career in engineering.
This is the second time I have participated in a SEMI High Tech U program. The first was several years ago in Tempe, AZ, when EV Group invited me to attend and write about it on 3D InCites. It was that first visit that inspired the idea to make a graduate of SEMI High Tech U a recipient of the 3D InCites Awards Scholarship to help students take their interest in a STEM-related forward to college. Once again, I was impressed by the enthusiasm and drive of the students I met.
Alexis Corona, a senior at Pioneer Valley High, Woodland, CA, more than fulfilled the criteria set forth to be eligible for the 3D InCites Awards Scholarship. Not only has he achieved excellence in academics, maintaining a 4.5 GPA and is in the top 10% of his class, receiving multiple academic awards, he is also a star soccer player and participates in a number of community-service-focused extracurricular activities. But it was really this passage in his application letter that had the most impact on me when I read it:
“I dream of the day I am able to make my parents proud and graduate from college majoring in technical engineering. One of my greatest desires is to one day give back to my parents for so much they have given me.”
It was an honor to be able to present Alexis with a check for $2500 to help him reach his goal. We at 3D InCites wish him all the best for his future.
SEMI High Tech U was established to get high school students excited about career opportunities in high tech. Driven by the semiconductor industry, SEMI High Tech U follows a model of partnership, involving parents, teachers and schools, local universities, and communities and local government. SEMI High Tech U aims to have a measurable, positive impact on all who participate. The curriculum is designed to stimulate interest in a high tech career path and enhance the perception of high tech industries. As of June 2014, over 5700 high-school students and teachers around the globe had participated in 169 programs in the US, the Netherlands, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Austria and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, over 350,000 students have been reached through teacher involvement.
The 3D InCites Awards Scholarship is funded by sponsorship proceeds from the 3D InCites Award Program, which was established to recognize achievements to further the commercialization of 2.5D and 3D IC technologies. Awards are presented at a breakfast ceremony during SEMICON West. The Francis B. Hugle Engineering Scholarship, established by TechSearch International, also received $2500 as part of 3D InCites efforts to support STEM-related education.
Having the opportunity to personally award the 3D InCites Scholarship to Alexis and witness his enthusiasm and excitement was an extremely rewarding experience; so much so that we plan to do it again next year. To all the sponsors of the 2014 3D InCites Awards program –EV Group, Micron, Rudolph Technologies, and Mentor Graphics – Thank you! We would not have been able to do this without you. We hope to see you and other companies become involved again as we make plans for the 2015 3D InCites Awards. ~ F.v.T.
