Mic2ExL

Experiential Learning

Mi2xl The Chicagoland Partnership for Semiconductors and Microelectronics Experiential Learning (Mic2ExL) is a project funded by the National Science Foundation which was designed to respond to a critical national security need for an increase in the domestic production of electronic components through the development of a skilled and diverse local workforce to serve the growing Illinois technology sector. This partnership includes CSU’s Center for Information and Security Education and Research (CINSER), CSU’s Division of Non-traditional Degrees and Continuing Education, CSU's TRIO Project Success Educational Opportunity Center, Quilt, a Chicago non-profit community organization, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Information Technology Sector Center, Argonne National Laboratory and industry partners which include Flextron Circuit Assembly and NanoAffix.

The award, funded by NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) and the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), has been granted through the Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) initiative which supports projects that provide experiential learning activities for diverse individuals to gain access to careers in emerging technology fields. Mic2ExL’s goals include increasing the participation of individuals from underrepresented minority groups in the Chicagoland area in the local semiconductor and microelectronics industry through the provision of experiential learning opportunities, mentorship and culturally responsive support. The project will directly address the systemic barriers of entry to technological careers confronted by individuals from underrepresented groups.

The project responds to two national imperatives -- the national security concerns arising from the reliance on computing components manufactured abroad and the need for engagement of underdeveloped and underutilized pools of talent in the STEM workforce. The shortages of supplies of microchips that emerged during the coronavirus pandemic and concern for the national security of critical components using microelectronics led to the passage of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act of 2022 (“CHIPS Act”) which aims to bolster leadership in semiconductors research, development and manufacturing and to promote equity in STEM. Illinois has made significant strides in incentivizing the development of microelectronics manufacturing and jobs creation in microelectronics through the passage of SB3917, the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity Act (MICRO Act). Mic2ExL will support these efforts through developing a prepared and ready workforce to support the semiconductor and microelectronics industry.

Apply to Participate in Mic2ExL Today!

We are accepting applications for our second program cohort which is scheduled to begin on March 15, 2025. Space in the program is limited. We will begin accepting applications for the second cohort in June 2024.

Paid Internships Starting March 15, 2025

100 hours hands-on classroom learning
100 hours project at national laboratory
50 hours practicum at employer
Mentoring Program

Participant Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Adult age 18 or older
Member of a group that is underrepresented in STEM (race, ethnicity, gender or ability)

Cohorts

Cohort 1

Cohort 1 started May 21, 2024. Registration for Cohort 1 is now closed. Registration for Cohort 2 is now open.

Timeline for Cohort I

Phase 1: 12 hours a week hands-on training for 8 weeks starting May 21, 2024
Phase 2: 4 to 6 weeks project at Argonne National Laboratory starting September 1, 2024
Phase 3: 4 weeks at company site
Phase 4: Job Fair

Schedule

Phase I at Chicago State University

(Education Building, Room 200)

Phase I will run from May 21 to July 20, 2024. Phase I is a ten week program that meets for 10 hours per week of face-to-face, hands-on classroom learning according to the following schedule:

Tuesdays - 11am to 2pm
Thursdays - 11am to 2pm
Saturdays - 11am to 3pm

Phase II at Argonne National Laboratory

Phase II began on Sept.9th and will run until October 4, 2024. Placements were individually arranged with Argonne National Laboratory and work schedules are individually arranged.

Phase III at Employer Sites

Phase III placements are currently being arranged. Smaller cohorts of participants will work on an arranged schedule at an industrial partner site. The tentative schedule for the first wave of Phase III is beginning Oct. 1st and will include hours worked on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.

Cohort 2

Applications for Cohort 2 are now being accepted. Cohort 2 will begin on March 15, 2025.

Timeline for Cohort 2

Phase 1: 12 hours a week hands-on training starting March 15, 2025
Phase 2: 4 to 8 weeks project at Argonne National Laboratory starting September 1, 2025
Phase 3: 4 weeks at company site
Phase 4: Job Fair

Schedule - Phase I at Chicago State University
(Education Building, Room 202)

Phase I will run from March 15 to June 28, 2025. Phase I meets for 6 hours per week of face-to-face, hands-on classroom learning according to the following schedule: