Semiconductor Exposure, Exploration, and Development (SEED): Collaborative to Broaden Participation in STEM Education

Semiconductor Exposure, Exploration, and Development (SEED): Collaborative to Broaden Participation in STEM Education is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant supports a collaborative effort to expand STEM education and prepare students for careers in semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced technology fields.

Lawson Joins SEED Collaborative NSF-Funded STEM Initiative Lawson Joins SEED Collaborative NSF-Funded STEM Initiative National Science Foundation award supports STEM innovation at Lawson State and other Lawson State Community College, Drake State Community and Technical College and Trenholm State Community College have been awarded a $500,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for Semiconductor Exposure, Exploration, and Development (SEED): A Collaborative to Broaden Participation in STEM Education.

The grant award period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029. This landmark award highlights the collective strength of three of Alabama's Historically Black Community Colleges as they work together to identify innovative strategies that expand access to STEM education and prepare students for emerging opportunities in the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors.

"Lawson State is proud to be part of this transformative partnership that expands access to high-quality STEM education and prepares our students for careers in one of the nation's most critical and rapidly growing industries," said Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, President of Lawson State Community College.

"Through the HBCU CHIPS Network and the SEED initiative, we are creating new pathways for students to gain the skills, exposure, and industry connections needed to succeed in semiconductor and advanced technology careers," Dr. Anthony said. "This investment strengthens not only our institution, but also the economic vitality and workforce potential of the communities we serve."

The partnership will help Lawson State, Drake State and Trenholm State retrain, retool, and upskill instructors in the semiconductor ecosystem. "We plan to do this through professional development opportunities, and exposure and exploration in the industry," said Dr. Bruce Crawford, vice president for instruction at Lawson State.

"Collaboratively, our colleges will work with the semiconductor industry to identify teaching, learning, and training opportunities for faculty and to develop technical workforce training based upon semiconductor industry needs."

In addition, the SEED Collaborative aims to create new pathways for student engagement, exploration, and career development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)---all while strengthening institutional capacity to support workforce needs in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries: advanced manufacturing.

This NSF investment also recognizes the applied sciences as a vital connector across traditional STEM disciplines, strengthening both workforce preparation and scientific discovery by fostering interdisciplinary approaches that translate theory into innovation within the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors.

There are more than 360,000 related jobs in the U.S. today, but upward of 115,000 additional workers are needed by 2030, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association's 2026 annual report. "This award reflects a shared commitment among our institutions to broaden participation in STEM education and create transformative opportunities for students," said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community & Technical College.

"Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on student success, we are positioning our students to thrive in the high-demand careers that will shape the future economy." An exceptionally strong partnership Dr. Kemba Chambers, President of Trenholm State Community College , said, “This grant represents an extraordinary opportunity to connect our students to the future of innovation and advanced manufacturing.

By collaborating with fellow Historically Black Community Colleges, we are broadening participation in STEM fields and ensuring that talented students from our communities have access to emerging opportunities in the semiconductor industry."

"Together, we are building a stronger, more diverse workforce that will help drive technological advancement and economic growth throughout our region and beyond," Dr. Project aims to strengthen STEM pathways Dr. George White, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and co-founder of the HBCU Chips Network , is also supporting the project.

Dr. White's expertise and leadership will help guide the collaborative's efforts to strengthen pathways into semiconductor careers and foster greater participation in STEM disciplines among underrepresented students. The NSF-funded project comes at a pivotal time as industry, government, and educational institutions work to build a robust domestic semiconductor workforce.

In Alabama, for example, institutions like Alabama A&M and University of South Alabama also have significant programs focused on microelectronics and the semiconductor supply chain---especially as it relates to aerospace and defense technologies.

The timing for the SEED initiative, which will ultimately enhance career readiness for future technology leaders, comes as national efforts are underway to bolster the advanced electronics workforce. That includes Alabama's role in ensuring public and private sector employers have access to workers with the right kind of industry-aligned For more information, contact Dr. Bruce Crawford , Lawson State Vice President for Instruction.