Idaho Technology Council Awarded Anticipated $1.2 M through

 NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program




Natcast award will support an innovative workforce development program in Idaho to close

critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry

 

For immediate release:

Boise, Idaho, September 26, 2024 – Idaho Technology Council today announced it has been selected as an anticipated National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program awardee. The $1,263,720 in anticipated funding will enable the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) to lead a transformative workforce development program in Idaho aimed at closing critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry.

 

The WFPA program is administered by Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the NSTC consortium, established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government. On September 25, 2024, Natcast announced $11.5 million in anticipated total WFPA awards coinciding with the launch of the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE).

 

"The anticipated WFPA funding will create opportunities for thousands of students, educators, and professionals to join the U.S. semiconductor workforce, supplying employers with in-demand talent and solidifying the U.S. as a leader in this vital industry,” said Michael Barnes, senior manager of workforce development programs at Natcast. "By investing in transformative programs like Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), we’re ensuring that American workers are equipped with the skills necessary to compete in the global semiconductor market.”

 

The anticipated funding will support the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), a program designed to provide supportive services to approximately 430 individuals across the State of Idaho as they enroll, progress in, and complete a training program leading to employment in the semiconductor industry in Idaho. Training opportunities are provided by our grantees in all six regions of the state. These programs meet the need for training opportunities, but many Idahoans need support to complete these programs and move into employment. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding has remained stationary in comparison to rampant inflation in recent years, creating a gap for many Idahoans. To close this gap, we plan to scale the impact of our semiconductor education and training programs by providing wraparound supports for participants in the key areas of child/dependent care, transportation, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and housing support.

 

This program is expected to prepare over 400 for careers in the semiconductor industry over the next two years, making a significant impact on the industry’s workforce development ecosystem and contributing to U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology. Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII) was one of seven programs selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 100 submitted proposals to receive anticipated WFPA funding.

 

“We are honored to be selected by Natcast to be a part of this vital national initiative,” Diane Bevan, ITC President and CEO. “Through the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), we will support industry professionals with the necessary skills to succeed in semiconductor-related fields. Working alongside our industry, academic, and community partners, this investment will have a lasting effect on the U.S. semiconductor workforce ecosystem and help the country meet the evolving demands of this rapidly growing and critical sector. While many of our partners already employ methods to serve historically underrepresented and underserved communities, the Idaho Technology Council, through the EASII program will maximize the program’s accessibility to those who need it most.”

 

 

As part of the initiative, Idaho Technology Council will continue to develop its outreach within the ecosystem as a leader in collaboration and engagement. This industry-driven approach will provide participants with valuable opportunities for employment and career advancement in the semiconductor industry and help employers fill critical workforce needs. In partnership with the Idaho Workforce Development Council and leveraging existing relationships within Idaho’s workforce ecosystem EASII will support participants’ co-enrollment in appropriate workforce programs, which may include, WIOA programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, veterans support services, or other services as identified. Co-enrollment will help us to provide true wraparound support, covering as many of our participants’ needs as possible for as long as possible

 

“As Chair of the Idaho Technology Council Board of Trustees, I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between the ITC and the Idaho Workforce Development Council, which has led to the award of the National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Partner Alliance grant, said Reid Stephan, St. Luke’s Health System. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing workforce development and building a robust talent pipeline for Idaho's growing tech ecosystem. Together, we are ensuring Idaho remains a leader in innovation, creating quality, high-paying jobs and equipping our workforce to meet the challenges of the semiconductor industry and beyond.”

 

“Congratulations to the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) for being recognized as a Natcast Workforce Partner Alliance awardee. For many years, the ITC has been a leader in Idaho’s technology ecosystem success and promoting the growth of the semiconductor industry. Micron applauds the ITC’s latest program, Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), which will help open access to careers in the semiconductor industry to individuals from all backgrounds,” said April Arnzen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Micron.

 

“The Idaho Workforce Development Council is thrilled to support the Idaho Technology Council in implementing the Workforce Partner Alliance Program. Our efforts to align access to training in the semiconductor industry are enhanced by this grant which will remove barriers to completing training. It’s a win-win for Idahoans and the industry!” Wendi Secrist, Executive Director, Idaho Workforce Development Council.

 

 

The WFPA program is the first of several anticipated workforce program funding opportunities to be offered through the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence. With a $250 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the WCoE will lead collaborative efforts with NSTC consortium members to drive innovation and significantly bolster the U.S. semiconductor workforce development ecosystem to strengthen America’s national security, economy, and global competitiveness.

 

To learn more about the Idaho Technology Council and the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), visit www.IdahoTechCouncil.org .

 

To learn more about the NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance program, the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, or other workforce funding opportunities, please visit www.natcast.org/workforce.


White House announcement: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/09/biden-harris-administration-launches-nstc-workforce-center-excellence


 

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ABOUT IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is the industry voice driving innovation in the state of Idaho. The ITC is a member driven organization; committed to the success of Idaho’s technology ecosystem and leading Idaho to a knowledge-based economy. The primary initiatives of the ITC are focused on the continued growth of innovation, transforming Idaho’s future around Talent, Access to Capital, and R&D/Commercialization. The ITC is instrumental in building advocacy needed to persuade legislators and private industry to invest in high return initiatives that are necessary to propel new companies forward, along with retention and growth with existing companies.

 

ABOUT NATCAST 

Natcast is the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government. The NSTC is a public-private consortium dedicated to semiconductor R&D in the United States. It convenes the U.S. government, allied and partner nations, and organizations across the semiconductor ecosystem—including academia and businesses of all kinds—to address the most challenging barriers to continued technological progress in the domestic semiconductor industry, including the need for a capable workforce. The NSTC reflects a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the U.S. to drive the pace of innovation, set standards, and re-establish global leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Learn more at www.natcast.org.

 

Email: info@idahotechcouncil.org

Website:  https://www.idahotechcouncil.org/

 

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Meet Zach Adams

by Tim Munkres • 11 December 2025
Introducing: Zach Adams, CEO & Co-Founder, Pitch Aeronautics Describe the business/organization you work for: I'm the co-founder of Pitch Aeronautics. Pitch Aeronautics provides weather-based data insights to electric utilities enabling them to push more power through existing lines, increase reliability, and decrease wildfire risk. We use a vertical stack of technologies including AI/ML weather software, IoT power-line mounted weather stations, and a ultraprecise drone which can install these sensors and other components on energized power lines. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? When I was finishing up my dissertation I felt like the technology I developed would just be stranded in academia. I brought this up to Ian Gibson, a friend and classmate of mine from the Air Force Academy, and he suggested we see if we could start a business to commercialize it. We certainly would have never guessed we would end up helping utilities increase electric transmission capacity! What sets this business apart from others in the industry? We've made the only drone in the world capable of installation different components on energized power-lines. This platform enables us to install IoT sensors and other components at far lower costs and ultimately aggregate better data for utilities. We use this data to provide better forecasts for transmission capacity, wildfire risk, and more. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Every stage of business has had it's challenges and I am thankful we've gotten to learn and grow from each one of them. When we were first starting out it was learning how to communicate and pinpoint the value of the technology. Now it's figuring out how to deliver for all the customer orders, juggling HR, and working with strategic partners. It's the challenges that make it fun! What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Talk to as many customers as you can About the Idaho Technology Council The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Zach on LinkedIn HERE Check out Pitch Aeronautics HERE

Meet Ismar Vallecillos

by Tim Munkres • 11 December 2025
Introducing: Ismar Vallecillos, Western Governors University, Regional Director of Operations Describe the business/organization you work for: Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, fully online, accredited university driven by a mission to expand access to high quality, affordable education for working adults across the United States. Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU pioneered the competency-based education model, allowing students to progress through coursework based on their ability to demonstrate mastery, rather than seat time. Serving over 195,000 students and boasting more than 360,000 graduates, WGU offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, information technology, health professions (including nursing), and teaching. WGU is recognized for its innovative use of technology, commitment to student success, and deep partnerships with employers and workforce development agencies nationwide. The university works to close skill gaps, promote social mobility, and deliver measurable economic impact through education that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to regional needs. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? What sets WGU apart is its competency-based model, which lets students advance by demonstrating mastery—not by spending a set amount of time in class. Combined with flat-rate tuition, personalized mentoring, and fully online programs, WGU offers a flexible, affordable, and career aligned education that adapts to the lives of working adults—unlike most traditional or even other online universities. Share something you love about Idaho, or a specific community you serve, or any special projects you would like to share with our followers, or even something specific you love or want to share about the company you represent. My connection to Idaho began with my 2-year mission, which placed me in various towns and cities across eastern Idaho. As an education professional, I lived in Rexburg while working for BYU-Idaho. Having lived in various rural communities, I became aware of the need for flexible and affordable education among rural communities. With this understanding in mind, I have labored to expand awareness of the value that WGU's online degrees can bring to members of these communities. Online education is the key to helping rural communities to train, educate, and keep their members within the community. What inspired you to join the ITC? I was inspired to join the Idaho Technology Council because I believe in its mission to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and elevate Idaho’s position as a leader in tech. As someone passionate about expanding access to education and career opportunities—especially in underserved regions—I saw the ITC as a natural fit. It offers a powerful platform to connect industry, education, and workforce leaders to shape Idaho’s tech future in meaningful, forward-thinking ways. What are you looking forward to the most about serving as a board member of the ITC? As a leader in education, I am looking forward to contributing to Idaho's tech future through workforce development. At the heart of any industry's growth is a well prepared and skilled workforce. This can only be accomplished through the right collaborative environment between educational institutions and leading industries. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? As a leader in education, I’m most looking forward to contributing to Idaho’s tech future by helping build a stronger, more agile workforce. At the heart of any thriving industry is a pipeline of well-prepared, highly skilled professionals. I believe this can only be achieved through intentional collaboration between educational institutions and leading industries. By serving on the ITC board, I’m excited to help bridge those sectors—aligning academic programs with real-time workforce needs, promoting access to tech career pathways across all communities in Idaho, and supporting innovation that keeps Idaho competitive. It’s an incredible opportunity to shape not only the future of tech in our state, but to create sustainable upward mobility for the next generation of talent. About the Idaho Technology Council The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Ismar on LinkedIn HERE Check out WGU HERE