A $20 Million Coalition to Keep 6,700 Semiconductor Students on Track to Graduation by 2028
Leveraging Last Mile Education Fund’s proven model and in partnership with Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA Corporation, and Cadence, the Semiconductor Pathways Fund provides rapid financial support to future engineers and technicians in their final semesters—ensuring America’s semiconductor workforce keeps growing.
“College graduates are key to securing future innovation in the semiconductor industry, and Applied Materials is proud to serve as the founding partner of the Semiconductor Pathways Fund. The Fund is based on a proven model, and we are excited to collaborate with our industry partners to expand the impact and further strengthen the talent pipeline powering U.S. semiconductor innovation.”
The Problem: The U.S. Faces a Critical Semiconductor Talent Shortage
By 2029, the U.S. semiconductor industry faces a shortfall of up to 146,000 engineers and technicians. Every year, thousands of students already on track for these careers are forced to stop short of graduation—not because of academics, but because of small, solvable financial barriers like tuition gaps, housing insecurity, or unexpected expenses. Each unfinished degree represents lost talent in a sector critical to security and innovation.
The Solution: The Semiconductor Pathways Fund: Fast, Flexible, Scalable
Backed by founding partner Applied Materials and joined by Lam Research, KLA Foundation, and Cadence Design Systems, the Semiconductor Pathways Fund is a $20M national safety net to help 6,700 students complete degrees in semiconductor-related disciplines by 2028.
Awards average less than $3,000 and are delivered in days, not months—bridging urgent financial gaps that traditional scholarships can’t reach. The result: more graduates, a stronger workforce, and a faster return on national CHIPS investments.
“To sustain innovation and domestic manufacturing growth, the industry must urgently shift its approach to workforce development—reducing attrition, increasing attraction from colleges and universities and adjacent industries, and broadening access to nontraditional talent sources.”
I can definitely rest easy and finally finish my degree. I truly can’t express the weight you have lifted for me. I’ll definitely be in touch and pass it forward. I’ll be sure to also update you on my journey. Thank you so much.
Danayit M.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Class of 2023
Last Mile Scholar, Momentum Fund Recipient
Global Product Support Engineer, Applied Materials
An Industry United To Secure America’s Future
This effort builds on the proven success of the Applied Materials Momentum Fund, which demonstrated the power of targeted, rapid support for students in their final stretch to graduation. The new Semiconductor Pathways Fund expands that model into a shared industry commitment, uniting Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA Corporation, and Cadence Design Systems in an unprecedented collaboration across the semiconductor ecosystem.
Driven by common purpose, these companies have come together to strengthen the nation’s semiconductor workforce through collective investment in talent. This alignment reflects a powerful commitment to shared impact—leveraging collective resources and leadership to build and sustain the nation’s semiconductor workforce for the future of U.S. innovation.
“At KLA Foundation, we believe that students shouldn’t have to abandon their dreams due to a preventable financial setback. The Semiconductor Pathways Fund is a powerful example of industry collaboration driving real change—ensuring that talented students not only reach the finish line but also help shape the future of semiconductor innovation”
“We believe that fostering future semiconductor talent is vital to supporting the U.S. innovation economy. We are proud to team up with the Last Mile Fund to support students working to complete degrees in critical competencies, and aid them on their path to exciting future careers in the semiconductor industry.”
From engineers to technicians, the Semiconductor Pathways Fund invests across the semiconductor pipeline:
Engineering: Electrical • Materials • Manufacturing • Mechanical • Robotics • Bioengineering • Computer • Applied Engineering
Technician Tracks: Semiconductor Manufacturing • Nanotech • Chemical • Industrial • Mechatronics
Degrees & Certifications Funded
“At Cadence, we are proud to support the next generation of future innovators and are excited to partner with Last Mile Education to provide resources. This fund is a powerful, collaborative industry effort to secure the talent pipeline that will drive future innovation.”
Why Investors Choose Last Mile
Last Mile delivers fast, flexible awards in days, not months, with no GPA barriers—investing in persistence, not perfection. Focused on high-demand semiconductor pathways, our national reach connects directly with colleges and training programs across the country.
The results speak for themselves: a $1 investment generates $246 in social return, with a 74% graduation rate among awardees. With an average award of less than $3,000, students stay in school, graduate, and move directly into the semiconductor workforce.
Partnering with Last Mile Education Fund delivers a proven model with unmatched ROI. With nationwide reach, we support students at any U.S. institution. Our platform amplifies impact by pooling employer contributions, powered by a scalable tech backbone and lean operations. Funders benefit from transparent, centralized reporting and the collective power of a shared model that multiplies results across contributors.
Be Part of the Solution
Together, we can add emerging innovators to the semiconductor workforce — strengthening U.S. manufacturing, and securing America’s digital future.