A nationwide initiative to close America’s semiconductor workforce gap
The U.S. Faces a Critical Semiconductor Talent Shortage
By 2029, the U.S. semiconductor industry faces a projected shortfall of up to 146,000 engineers and technicians, while competition for talent with big tech, aerospace, and cybersecurity remains fierce. Every year, thousands of students already on track for these careers are forced to stop short of graduation—derailed not by academics, but by financial barriers like tuition gaps, housing insecurity, or an unexpected expense. Each unfinished degree represents lost talent in a U.S. sector critical to security and economic growth. Without immediate action, the U.S. risks falling behind in innovation and domestic manufacturing.
“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.”
Last Mile Education Fund is addressing one of higher education’s biggest leaks: students pursuing high-demand tech and engineering fields who are derailed by modest but insurmountable financial shortfalls. The Last Mile Education Fund provides rapid-response awards to engineering students and technician trainees in their final semesters. These small, flexible investments bridge urgent gaps that traditional scholarships and aid don’t cover. In five years, with an average award under $3K, Last Mile has invested $14.8M in over 11,000 such students achieving a 74% graduation rate and projected 246x 10 year social ROI.
The result: students graduate on time, join the workforce, and strengthen the U.S. semiconductor pipeline.
The Solution
Why Now?
CHIPS Act investments can only succeed if the talent pipeline holds. Without immediate intervention, the U.S. risks losing thousands of skilled workers in the final stretch. The Semiconductor Pathways Fund is a cost-efficient, scalable solution with immediate impact.
The Applied Materials Momentum Fund, created to develop emerging talent and strengthen the semiconductor pipeline, has demonstrated success in building pathways from college to career.
Moving forward, Last Mile – in partnership with Founding Partner Applied Materials – is addressing the industry wide challenge with a newly expanded industry wide collective fund, forming a national safety net to graduate 6,700 additional engineers and technicians by 2029. The Semiconductor Pathways Fund is bringing together companies from across the Semiconductor ecosystem and aims to grow the pipeline—adding resilient, expansive talent across technician, engineering, and R&D roles across the industry.
From Proven Impact to Collective Action
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.
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
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.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
Momentum Fund Recipient
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.