Program Emerging as National Blueprint for Hybrid and Online Learning to Help Build the Talent Pipeline for America’s Chip Workforce
Through innovative partnerships, more than two dozen working adults achieve industry credentials to prepare them for in-demand careers
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(AUSTIN, TX) — In what has become a model for workforce development across the country, Merit America, a national non-profit that offers fast and flexible training and job search programs that work for working adults, announced its first cohort to complete its new Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing program in partnership with Austin Community College District (ACC) and the America’s Frontier Fund (AFF) Foundation.
Launched in 2024, the partners celebrated the milestone at a ceremony held at ACC’s Highland Campus, honoring 28 learners who earned industry-recognized semiconductor credentials after completing the 14-week hybrid program.
ACC has long maintained a best-in-class program to prepare Central Texans for Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing roles. Last year, Merit America, AFF, and ACC partnered to extend the program’s reach by reimagining it to create a hybrid curriculum, allowing learners to complete coursework online with limited in-person labs. The program has emerged as a blueprint for leveraging technology to scale top-quality programs for industry certificates and credentials.
The collaboration combines ACC’s world-class technical curriculum with Merit America’s signature coaching and career support, offering a flexible, part-time pathway for working adults to enter one of America’s highest-growth, highest-paying industries. Over 14 weeks, learners complete online coursework and personalized career coaching through Merit America while gaining hands-on lab experience at ACC’s advanced manufacturing training facilities. Learners earn an industry-recognized credential without leaving their jobs or taking on student debt, helping them transition into family-sustaining careers in semiconductor manufacturing and related fields.
“Working adults shouldn’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and gaining new skills,” said Connor Diemand-Yauman and Rebecca Taber Staehelin, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Merit America. “By combining ACC’s hands-on training with Merit America’s coaching and career support, this partnership makes high-quality training more practical and accessible. Together, we’re helping people move into strong careers and building a model that other communities can learn from.”
“We built this program with a powerful belief that talent is everywhere, opportunity is not,” said ACC Chancellor, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “What’s happening here is the future of workforce education. By combining ACC’s high-quality training with Merit America’s proven coaching model, we’re removing barriers that prevent working adults from accessing meaningful careers. When students have pathways that are flexible, affordable, and designed around their lives, they don’t just finish programs — they transform their futures. And that strengthens the economic and talent pipeline for our entire region.”
“This partnership exemplifies how philanthropy, higher education, and industry can come together to reimagine the talent pipeline—offering working adults the opportunity to gain skills in one of the nation’s most critical sectors,” said AFF Executive Director Sabrina Roshan. “By supporting scalable, hybrid learning models like this, we’re helping ensure that America’s innovation economy is inclusive, resilient, and ready for the challenges ahead.”
The Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing program helps bridge the national talent gap that could leave more than 100,000 technician roles unfilled by 2030. Learners participated in three intensive lab sessions at ACC’s state-of-the-art training facilities, where they gained hands-on experience in semiconductor fabrication, testing, and safety protocols.
Following the success of the first cohort in Austin, the partners plan to expand the model, ensuring that more adults can access training that directly connects to economic opportunities.
About Merit America
Merit America is a national nonprofit preparing workers stuck in low-wage roles for family-sustaining careers at scale. Named by the New York Times as “the hybrid future of training programs for the disadvantaged,” Merit America offers fast and flexible training and job search programs that work for working adults, and are aligned to the most in-demand roles in the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. Founded in 2018, Merit America has served more than 15,000 learners across the country, and has driven more than an estimated $1 billion in cumulative wage gains. For more information, visit https://meritamerica.org/about/.
About Austin Community College District
Austin Community College District (ACC) is a nationally recognized college serving Central Texas as the primary gateway to higher education and technical training. ACC offers associate degrees, workforce certificates, and advanced manufacturing training that prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand industries. The college serves more than 70,000 students each year through 11 campuses and multiple workforce training centers across the region. Learn more at www.austincc.edu.
About America’s Frontier Fund Foundation
America’s Frontier Fund (AFF) is a platform dedicated to harnessing the promise of frontier technologies for a stronger America. Through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit Foundation, AFF is leading a whole-of-nation effort to re-awaken America’s innovation base: we focus on catalyzing new ideas and policies, educating skilled workers, building regional innovation hubs, shaping global partnerships with U.S. allies, and driving alignment between policymakers, founders, scientists, and funders. Learn more about AFF at americasfrontier.com.
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