SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 13, 2009--
Applied Materials, Inc. will emphasize the urgency of preparing students
for the high tech jobs of the future during SEMICON West, held in San
Francisco this week. The company will also discuss how a shortage of
talent may affect the industry and America’s position as a global
technology leader. Additionally, Applied Materials will underscore its
strong commitment to the semiconductor industry by highlighting the
Applied Materials Foundation Women in Science and Technology Scholarship
Program designed to encourage participation by women in science and
engineering. Also being showcased are successful initiatives promoting
math, science and semiconductor technology education that are helping
develop future technology innovators.
“As a global leader in a fast-changing and competitive marketplace,
Applied Materials is constantly innovating and commercializing products
to stay ahead of future technology trends,” said Tom St. Dennis, senior
vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ Silicon Systems
Group. “We need the best and brightest talent—the challenge for our
educational system is to produce the workforce with the skills and
knowledge required by the industry. We believe women can be a source of
that talent in greater numbers if they are encouraged early in their
education.”
To promote engagement in the industry and raise awareness of technical
advances, Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation are
supporting several workforce development programs around the world that
build bridges between schools and business.
Women in Science and Technology Scholarship Program
To help realize the full potential of the workforce of tomorrow, the
Applied Materials Foundation has launched the Women in Science and
Technology Scholarship Program to encourage young women to excel in
specific technical areas leading to careers in science and engineering.
Grants will be made to selected student organizations at United
States-based universities that are committed to developing the next
generation of women engineers. Learn more at: http://www.appliedmaterials.com/about/science_tech_scholarship_program.html.
SEMI Foundation’s High Tech U
Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation are long-time
supporters of SEMI Foundation’s High Tech U for students and SEMI High
Tech U Teacher Edition programs. In a fun, three-day interactive
session, students learn semiconductor manufacturing concepts and
microchip logic and get a chance to understand career choices available
in math and science-based professions. Students also learn about the
design and physics of solar cells.
The teacher program mirrors the student session, with an emphasis on
ways educators can implement program activities into their lesson plans.
A primary objective of the program is to help teachers learn about math
and science-based careers in high tech fields so they can advise
students about educational options and career pathways.
“Applied Materials and its Foundation have supported our industry and
this program from the very beginning, and in less than a decade this
program has helped reach several thousand students and teachers,” said
Stan Myers, president and CEO of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials
International (SEMI). “The goal is to build interest and excitement in
young people about math and science careers and help develop the skilled
workforce of tomorrow working on next generation technologies.”
Since 2001, 90 High Tech U programs have been delivered reaching
approximately 2,400 students directly. An additional 41,000 students
have been reached through the 476 teachers who have participated in High
Tech U Teacher programs.
Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education
The goal of Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME)
is to provide teachers with professional development experiences to gain
additional learning and understanding of high tech practices to
incorporate into their course curricula to help better prepare a strong,
highly skilled workforce in math, science and technological fields.
Applied Materials, a long and active supporter of IISME, has
hosted 90 Teacher Fellows since 1994. This summer nine IISME Fellows
will work at Applied Materials on a variety of projects and will attend
SEMICON West to learn about the latest trends and technologies driving
nanomanufacturing technology into the future.
About Applied Materials
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in
Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions with a broad portfolio of
innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication
of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells,
flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials,
we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live.
Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.
About the Applied Materials Foundation
The Applied Materials Foundation, a California nonprofit corporation
qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, was
established in 1994 by Applied Materials, Inc., the global leader in
Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions. The Foundation’s
mission is to make a positive social contribution in regions where
Applied Materials employees work and live through philanthropic
investments in the areas of education, civic development, arts and
culture, and the environment.
Source: Applied Materials, Inc.
Applied Materials, Inc.
Patricia Zepeda Vera, 408-563-8160
