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.
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 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.
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
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.
“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.”
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
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.