Samsung Austin Semiconductor is partnering with Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering to help build the talent pipeline needed to support the growing semiconductor ecosystem in Central Texas as part of its 5-Star Workforce Development plan.
Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s initial $1 million investment will help transform Texas A&M’s semiconductor education and recruiting programs.
“This collaboration with Samsung Austin Semiconductor underscores our shared commitment to the next generation of engineers,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “As we strengthen our ties with a respected industry leader, we look forward to a bright future defined by technological advancement and ingenuity.”
The contribution will allow the college to focus on three areas of impact that will directly increase the number of students interested in studying and pursuing careers in semiconductor manufacturing. The key areas of support are:
- Undergraduate Student Support (Scholarships)
- Graduate Student Support (Fellowships)
- Student Program/Academic Support (Capstone Projects)
“We are excited to formalize our relationship and invest in a top-ranked engineering school at Texas A&M,” Samsung Austin Semiconductor president Bonyoung Koo said.
Engineering has been a part of Texas A&M since the university opened in 1876. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest school on the College Station campus, with more than 750 faculty members and 24,000 students. Consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top public undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, students from Texas A&M are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges in society.
“The investment by Samsung Austin Semiconductor will empower some of the brightest minds in the world,” said Dr. Joe Elabd, interim vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering. “This collaboration proves our commitment to shaping the future of engineering, nurturing talent and advancing Texas as a hub of semiconductor innovation, education and workforce development.”
With Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s investment in a new, state-of-the-art $17 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, the need for engineers will be in high demand for years to come.
“With a strong and proven engineering program at Texas A&M University, the talent pipeline for our future is healthy,” explained Dr. Chanhoon Park, executive vice president and head of the Samsung Taylor project. “We believe our partnership can help build the future workforce of Texas and we look forward to supporting education that will encourage engineering students to consider a career in the semiconductor industry.”
Since its establishment in Central Texas in 1996, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has hired hundreds of Aggies and provided internship opportunities for hundreds more. Texas A&M students regularly visit and tour the manufacturing campus as part of various student groups.
