MSIs Forge Pathways in Tech Growth

As the U.S. ramps up efforts to bolster its tech workforce, there’s a rising focus on the talent pool of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) to build more inclusive and diverse career pathways. This strategy is especially crucial in booming industries like semiconductor production, where the demand for skilled professionals is soaring.

A key development in this effort is the establishment of the HBCU CHIPS Network, launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce in conjunction with Georgia Institute of Technology. The network aims to coordinate the efforts of several HBCUs to develop a robust talent pipeline in semiconductor production. Semiconductors, or chips, are essential components in a wide array of modern technologies, from consumer electronics and automobiles to data centers and military systems.

This initiative follows the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, a bipartisan bill signed into law by President Biden two years ago, which allocates $50 billion to revitalize America’s domestic semiconductor industry. The act was designed to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and secure the nation’s technological future.

One of the stipulations for receiving funding under this act is that projects must contribute to economic security while also investing in workers and communities, with particular attention to small businesses and historically disadvantaged communities.

“The network is going to help ensure we have the talent and innovation we need while also bridging gaps in access and opportunity for Black Americans,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo told a group of business and university leaders when announcing the HBCU CHIPS Network earlier this year. “I want you to keep thinking about how your HBCUs can work together with private companies to ensure graduates are ready to start working on day one.”

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently announced the launch of the HBCU CHIPS Network, a partnership between several HBCUs and the Georgia Institute of Technology, to diversify and expand the semiconductor manufacturing industry in the U.S. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Commerce)

Despite these investments, the semiconductor industry faces a significant labor shortage. By 2030, it is projected that the U.S. will be short 300,000 engineers and 90,000 technical workers. The HBCU CHIPS Network is poised to address this by providing students from historically underserved communities with opportunities to enter and succeed in these high-demand sectors. HBCUs, which currently award 24% of all bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields among African Americans, are expected to play a crucial role.

In early July, NASA granted $1.2 million to 23 MSIs to advance research and technological innovation through its Minority University Research and Education Project Partnership Learning Annual Notification (MPLAN) award. Each institution will receive up to $50,000 for a six-month period, enabling them to collaborate directly with NASA experts on cutting-edge STEM projects. These initiatives aim to enhance the research capabilities of MSIs, focusing on critical areas such as space exploration, robotics, bioengineering, and advanced materials.

By engaging with these institutions’ diverse talent pools, NASA is ensuring that the next generation of scientists and engineers contributes to the agency’s ambitious goals, including lunar exploration and the eventual mission to Mars. The program not only equips students with practical experience and advanced skills but also positions MSIs as key players in the development of technologies that will drive future space missions and benefit society.

“It’s a daring task to return to the Moon then venture to Mars, but NASA is known to make the impossible possible,” Shahra Lambert, NASA’s senior advisor for engagement and equity, said in a press release. “By funding partnerships such as MPLAN, and tapping into all pools of STEM resources, including MSIs, we are ensuring the future of our missions are in good hands.”

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology Aprille Ericsson delivered the keynote address at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Opportunities Workshop and Intern Seminar in July. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense)

In addition to the semiconductor and space industries, other programs are also targeting the broader technology landscape at HBCUs. The PROPEL Center, an innovation hub, recently launched the HBCU Faculty Fellows Academy, which provides yearlong professional development for faculty members. This training focuses on enhancing teaching skills, integrating Apple technology, and expanding professional networks, all with the goal of improving student success.

Moreover, Skilldora, a Black-owned AI tech company, has partnered with the Roberts Innovation Group to launch a 2024 HBCU Initiative. The collaboration aims to equip HBCU students with AI-driven educational tools and certifications, positioning them for success in the digital age. The initiative kicked off at Barber-Scotia College, which is also working toward regaining its accreditation. The college has integrated Skilldora’s AI-instructed courses into its curriculum, offering students certification opportunities in various technological fields.

Overall, these programs highlight a concerted effort to integrate HBCUs and MSIs into the nation’s technological advancement, ensuring that these institutions and their students are well positioned to contribute to and benefit from the growing technology sectors. By creating more inclusive pathways into these fields, the U.S. is not only addressing labor shortages but also promoting greater diversity and equity in the workforce.●