Lafayette, Colorado, November 4th / PRNewswire / -- On that day, it was announced that Intel Corporation has joined the Semiconductor Path Fund ( Sem token issuance nductor Pathways Fund ). This fund is a national industry alliance aimed at investing in future engineers and technicians who are about to graduate but face financial obstacles that may prevent them from completing their studies. Intel's participation further advances the collective effort to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor workforce by funding students who are close to entering the industry.
The fund was launched in November 2025, with Applied Materials as the founding partner. The initial investors included Lam Research, KLA Foundation, and Cadence Design Systems. Subsequently, AMD Foundation and Intel Corporation also joined in. This alliance, composed of six leading companies in the semiconductor industry, is working towards a goal of $20 million to help 6,700 students graduate successfully by 2028.
Last Mile Education Fund Founder and CEO Ruthe Farmer stated: "The United States' technological leadership depends on a steady supply of semiconductor talent. Nowadays, many of these talents are already in the classroom, but too many students fail to persevere until the end."
She said, "Intel's participation strengthens the common commitment to ensure that financial setbacks that can be overcome will not prevent students from earning their degrees, nor will they cause the industry to lose a future engineer or technician."
A student who is ready to enter the semiconductor industry may still be forced to pause their studies due to unpaid tuition balances, car repair costs, or emergency housing expenses. The Semiconductor Path Fund provides fast and flexible financial assistance, with an average amount of less than $3,000, to help students overcome these obstacles and complete their education.
Madison West, President of the Intel Foundation, Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility at Intel Corporation, and Head of Sustainability, stated: "A strong semiconductor industry begins with a strong talent pipeline. Helping more students complete their degrees is an issue that we can address together."
She said, "Through the Semiconductor Path Fund, Intel is contributing to a collective effort to help more students succeed and to cultivate the workforce needed by our industry."
The fields of study supported by this fund include electrical, materials, manufacturing, mechanical, and computer engineering, which are crucial to the semiconductor ecosystem, as well as training pathways for technicians. The fund adopts a national approach, providing support during the final sprint stage of students' studies, a time when timely assistance can make the difference between an incomplete diploma and a graduate ready to embark on a career.
The demand is quite substantial. A study by the Semiconductor Industry Association and the Oxford Economics Institute predicts that by 2030, the semiconductor industry in the United States will create nearly 115,000 new jobs. At the current recruitment rate, about 67,000 of these positions may not be filled. The Semiconductor Path Fund aims to address part of this challenge by retaining students who have spent years preparing for careers in technology.
Farmer said, "Building a workforce is not just about paving new paths."
She said, "We also must ensure that those students who are close to completing their studies are able to graduate."
Students who have four semesters or less until graduation and are pursuing core disciplines in semiconductor innovation, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, robotics, materials science, and semiconductor manufacturing, may be eligible for funding.
For qualification criteria and application methods, please click here to view. You can also click here to learn about investment and cooperation opportunities.
Media contact: Ruthe Farmer, founder and CEO, info @ lastmile-ed.org
About Last Mile Education Fund: Last Mile Education Fund adopts bold and innovative approaches to bridge the financial gaps faced by students in their final stages of graduation, thereby enhancing economic mobility and promoting labor force growth. By facilitating the completion of degrees in technology and engineering fields, this fund strengthens America's talent pipeline and brings measurable benefits to both industries and society. For more information, please visit LastMile-ed.org / impact, and follow @LastMileFund.
