SU, Micron honor first group of veterans to earn semiconductor certificates

SYRACUSE — A program at Syracuse University (SU) helped a group of 90 transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who earned certificates of completion in semiconductors. Both Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) and SU’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) recognized those involved during SU’s first-ever Micron Day held Feb. 25. Those earning the certificates did so through IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity program, which puts those involved “on the pathway to a career in the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry,” per the SU announcement. As Syracuse University explained it, the Semiconductor Hub launched in November 2024 and included a semiconductor-foundations course, “one of the first of its kind in the country.” It is supported by Micron’s $3 million investment in IVMF to develop a specialized track within the Onward to Opportunity career-training program. Part of Micron’s $250 million Community Investment Framework commitment, the Semiconductor Hub seeks to provide industry knowledge and preliminary training and support for military-connected individuals interested in a career in the semiconductor industry. One of the steepest barriers to the successful transition to civilian life is a limited understanding of how skills learned during military service translate to civilian jobs, George Ramsey, Micron senior program manager and military lead, said in the Syracuse University announcement. “Micron has long made it a priority to help with that transition and hire veterans because we know they bring not just the necessary skillsets to work in our industry, but the teamwork and leadership skills that are essential to making Micron an industry leader,” Ramsey said. “We’re thrilled that our work with SU and IVMF already is paying off for veterans and look forward to further building out the veteran workforce pipeline in Central New York and across the nation.” The inaugural cohort of 90 Onward to Opportunity participants is the first to complete a Central New York–based training program provided in conjunction with Micron. The group, which comes from military installations across the nation, includes two service members stationed at Fort Drum. An additional 204 participants are on track to receive their certificates in the coming months, SU noted. “The IVMF is pleased to partner with Micron on the successful launch of the Semiconductor Hub within the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program,” J. Michael Haynie, SU vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, said. “Thanks to Micron’s generous support, transitioning service members, veterans and military family members are now accessing high-quality, no-cost career preparation to enable them to enter and thrive in the semiconductor industry.”