Micron’s historic $100 billion investment in Central New York will create opportunities for generations of New Yorkers, with some starting in the classroom. The state has been working with Micron, union leaders and school districts to ensure that today’s students have the foundational knowledge for tomorrow — skills they’ll need to succeed at good-paying semiconductor manufacturing and other high-tech jobs in the future.
In December 2023, a historic partnership – with Governor Hochul, Micron, the American Federation of Teachers, New York State United Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers – launched the pioneering Advanced Technology Framework. The framework is a learning toolkit designed to help students across the state develop the foundational and technical skills needed to launch careers in New York’s fast-growing semiconductor industry ecosystem.
Co-designed by teachers and Micron, this innovative toolkit engages students by combining industry-based career exploration, information analysis, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge while also equipping students with real-world skills. Starting in fall of 2024, the framework is being piloted with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in 10 school districts through 2027.
On June 30, the framework launch partners reconvened for a roundtable event hosted at Onondaga Community College. Educators, along with representatives from Micron, teachers' unions, New York State government, congressional and other key stakeholders discussed the framework’s first year, as well as ways to further strengthen the partnership and prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities. The three-day conference reflected the holistic outlook that Micron, teachers' unions, workforce training providers, and the State are taking to workforce development as the region prepares for long-term growth.
With groundbreaking on Micron’s transformational semiconductor fab facility slated later this year, the gathering reflected the company’s commitment to a best practice of industry-informed feedback loops with education. The ongoing partnership helps guarantee the framework programs stay relevant and responsive, and that robust, inclusive talent pipelines are developed that empower students and support Micron’s workforce needs.
As Micron, Central New York and New York State’s semiconductor industry look to the future, these best-in-class collaborations should remain at the core of every talent pipeline strategy. With continued innovation, New York State can help build pathways that not only lead young people to jobs—but to lasting, fulfilling careers.