Chemeketa Community College Core Partner In Oregon NSF FAST Engine To Strengthen Semiconductor Workforce And Innovation (Photo) - 07/15/26

College partners in statewide consortium expected to create 25,000 jobs and expand pathways to high-wage semiconductor careers 

Salem, Ore.,July 15, 2026 —Chemeketa Community College is proud to announce its role as a core partner in the newly designated Oregon NSF FAST Engine (Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology), which has been awarded an initial $15 million from the National Science Foundation and could receive up to $160 million over the next decade. The Oregon NSF FAST Engine is one of just 12 new NSF Regional Innovation Engines selected nationwide to accelerate innovation, strengthen regional economies, and advance America's leadership in critical technologies.

Led by Oregon State University, the FAST consortium brings together nearly 100 partners from higher education, industry, government, nonprofits, and investment organizations to strengthen Oregon's semiconductor ecosystem and create new pathways to high-wage careers. The initiative aims to add 4,000 graduates to Oregon's workforce annually, create 25,000 jobs, launch 180 startups, and generate $6.5 billion in regional economic growth over the next decade.

As one of the consortium's core education partners, Chemeketa Community College will play a critical role in expanding access to semiconductor education and training, helping students develop the skills needed to succeed in one of Oregon's most vital industries.

"Chemeketa has long been committed to creating pathways that connect students to high-demand, living-wage careers," said Larry Cheyne, Dean of Applied Technologies at Chemeketa Community College. "Being part of the Oregon NSF FAST Engine allows us to help shape the future of Oregon's semiconductor workforce while ensuring students across our region have access to cutting-edge education and training opportunities. This partnership will open doors for our students and strengthen the talent pipeline that powers innovation throughout our state."

Oregon's semiconductor industry has been a cornerstone of the state's economy for decades, and the FAST initiative builds upon the state's unique strengths in research, manufacturing, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration. The National Science Foundation selected FAST because of Oregon's strong ecosystem and its ability to translate innovation into economic opportunity.

"FAST represents the kind of forward-thinking partnership Oregon needs to remain competitive in the global economy," said Oregon Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr. "By bringing together industry, higher education and government, FAST is helping build the workforce, innovation ecosystem and manufacturing capacity that will drive opportunities for Oregonians for decades to come."

The Oregon NSF FAST Engine's immediate focus will be implementation, including launching new programs, expanding partnerships, supporting workforce initiatives, and advancing measurable outcomes that strengthen Oregon's position as a global leader in semiconductor innovation.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.