Leaders Unite To Reenergize North Texas Semiconductor Workforce

U.S. Rep. Colin Allred met with representatives from The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A&M University, Dallas and Collin colleges, and industry leaders for a roundtable discussion on May 1 about the semiconductor workforce needed for the North Texas region over the next decade.

As a result of Allred's support, UT Dallas, Dallas College, Collin College, North Central Texas College, Texas State Technical College and UT Arlington have formed the North Texas Semiconductor Workforce Development Consortium with the goal of tripling semiconductor-related certificates and associate degrees over the next three years.

They also discussed the recently passed CHIPS and Science Act and its potential benefits for North Texas. The CHIPS and Science Act provides funding to help boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the U.S.

Participants at the discussion included UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson and UT Dallas President Emeritus David E. Daniel.

"With Congressman Allred's support, we have been able to launch a semiconductor workforce consortium, bringing together academic and industry partners, to ensure long-term viability of a technology workforce that is critical for economic success in Texas," said Dr. Joseph Pancrazio, vice president for research and innovation and professor of bioengineering at UT Dallas.

Allred helped secure a federal spending package passed by Congress and signed into law last December that included several infrastructure projects at UT Dallas. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, UT Dallas will receive more than $6.8 million to improve the North Texas semiconductor industry workforce, to enhance UTD's wind energy research, to create a behavioral health services center and to promote small-business partnerships. Additionally, there will be $2.5 million allocated to support a rail transit hub at the UTD station on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Silver Line.