Nikon values the opportunity to give back to our industry by helping to empower the new generation of high tech engineers through our continuing involvement in SEMI High Tech University.
SEMI High Tech U is an industry-supported, science-based career exploration program. It provides high school students with a hands-on introduction to the high tech industry, highlights career options, and outlines the necessary education requirements. Activities focus on topics including statistics, nanotechnology, solar and alternative energy technologies, electronics and mathematics.
Students attend a three-day program taught by industry professionals at the campuses of KLA-Tencor and San Jose State University. The classes are a platform for explaining the technologies used to create the microchips that power today’s electronic devices, while also highlighting the educational pathways that lead to rewarding careers in the high-tech industry. Principle sponsors and hosts of the Fall 2013 program included Nikon Precision, KLA-Tencor, and the Fab Owners Association.
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| Figure 1A. SEMI HTU Students receive training in a clean room environment -- Fall 2013. Photo Courtesy of SEMI Foundation (left image). Figure 1B. SEMI HTU Alumni visit the Nikon booth at SEMICON West. | |
In addition to teaching at the Fall session, Nikon was pleased to host a reunion of students from Silicon Valley at SEMICON West last summer. Students were given an engaging and informative presentation by Nikon covering topics from how photolithography scanners work to potential career paths. Many students returned to the Nikon booth later in the day with follow up questions for the presenter.
“SEMI High Tech U is an excellent avenue for young people to discover how semiconductors are indispensable in creating the technology that is a daily part of their lives” said Hamid Zarringhalam, Executive Vice President of Nikon Precision Inc. “Nikon appreciates the opportunity to support SEMI High Tech U with funding and volunteer instructors for this unique educational event where students learn how they can contribute to future innovation.”