SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Micron has named the Central New York Community Foundation as the lead intermediary to help steward the investment of $65 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of Micron’s overall CHIPS Act incentive package for workforce development, the foundation announced.
CenterState CEO will serve as a sub-intermediary for the workforce-development efforts as Micron develops its planned semiconductor campus in the town of Clay. The Idaho Workforce Development Council (WDC) will also serve as a sub-intermediary as Micron pursues expansion at its headquarters in Boise, Idaho.
The funds are designated solely for the implementation of Micron’s strategy to achieve workforce at scale as outlined in its community impact report. The plan is designed to prepare the future workforce with skills required to fulfill Micron’s needs. Strategies include encouraging K-12 students to pursue STEM programs, modernizing curriculum, increasing experiential learning, opening access to semiconductor careers, and addressing workforce barriers such as childcare and transportation.
The Community Foundation’s primary role is to manage national grantmaking under the direction of Micron.
“Micron approached us for this partnership because of our strong reputation as a trusted, neutral, and effective community leader,” CNY Community Foundation President/CEO Melanie Littlejohn said in a news release. “We have the unique ability to address broad community priorities, manage funds efficiently, and administer grantmaking on a national scale. These strengths, along with our proven commitment to improving access to opportunity and removal of barriers to success, make us the ideal partner.”
The foundation will also collaborate with the sub-intermediaries to convene local and national partners, advise on funding recommendation alignment, and monitor grant performance. Workforce intermediaries will consult with stakeholders across the region including education and training providers, labor unions, state and local workforce-development boards, childcare organizations, and community-based organizations.
CenterState CEO will work closely with Micron and local partners to inform strategy and identify workforce development programs to prepare a pool of talent for the construction and manufacturing jobs resulting from Micron’s project in Clay.
“CenterState CEO’s designation as one of Micron’s CHIPS intermediaries is a role that we are incredibly excited to take on with our partners at the Central New York Community Foundation and the Idaho Workforce Development Council,” CenterState CEO Rob Simpson said. “Expanding opportunities for our region’s residents is central to our mission of creating a region where business thrives, and all people prosper. I look forward to working with our partners and preparing a new generation of Central New Yorkers for careers in construction and manufacturing.”
The Idaho Workforce Development Council will coordinate Idaho’s semiconductor-related workforce-development efforts.
The CNY Community Foundation is in the process of creating a separate 501(c)(3) entity — the Central New York Innovation & Growth Initiative — for this initiative. It will be governed by an independent board, which will have its own audit and reporting.
“This partnership extends beyond a single organization, benefiting multiple entities and impacting regions in meaningful, sustainable ways,” Littlejohn said. “By driving workforce development and addressing barriers to success, this initiative reflects our mutual core values, enhances our commitment to strengthening communities across the nation including Central New York, and ensures we continue to grow resources to meet evolving needs.”