At AMD, we believe the future of innovation depends on the strength and resilience of the STEM workforce. Through the AMD Foundation, we are proud to support that future with a US$500,000 philanthropic investment over three years to support the Semiconductor Pathways Fund.
Launched by Last Mile Education Fund, the Semiconductor Pathways Fund is a national industry coalition working together to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor workforce. Its focus is simple but critical: ensuring that students already on the path to engineering and technical careers are able to complete their academic degrees.
While much attention is placed on building new talent pipelines, many college students already pursuing STEM degrees face unexpected financial barriers that suddenly put graduation just out of reach. Challenges such as housing instability, transportation issues, or small tuition gaps can derail years of progress. These are not academic setbacks, but they are solvable obstacles.
The Semiconductor Pathways Fund addresses this need by providing rapid, flexible financial support, typically under US$3,000, to students within four semesters of graduation. By helping students persist and graduate, the fund protects existing talent and accelerates workforce readiness at a time when it is urgently needed.
By 2029, the United States is projected to face a shortage of up to 146,000 semiconductor engineers and technicians. Addressing this gap requires not only long-term investment in education, but also immediate action to support the students already preparing to enter the field.
“Supporting engineering education is an investment in both individuals and industry,” said Mark Fuselier, senior vice president, Technology and Product Engineering at AMD and AMD Foundation chair. “AMD is committed to that pipeline because it sustains a resilient semiconductor ecosystem and delivers the diverse talent required to address the world’s most important challenges.”
Support from the AMD Foundation reinforces our broader commitment to expanding access to STEM education and advancing the next generation of innovators. By investing in disciplines central to semiconductor development, including electrical and computer engineering, materials science and advanced computing, we are helping build a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
Through collaborations like the Semiconductor Pathways Fund, AMD continues to invest in people, strengthen communities and help power the technologies of tomorrow.
To learn more about AMD Community Impact, visit: https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/community.html
To learn more about the Semiconductor Pathways Fund, visit: https://www.lastmile-ed.org/semiconductor-pathways-fund
