Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Michigan State University’s College of Engineering and Lansing Community College, announced MEDC grants and matching funds totalling nearly $450,000 for the capital area, with $148,000 for MSU and $300,000 for LCC.
MEDC is investing a combined total of more than $3.6 million — the largest investment in state history — in 2023 grants and matching funds with higher education institutions to promote semiconductor learning and career opportunities throughout Michigan.
“Michigan is leading the way in supporting the growth and development of the semiconductor industry back in the United States,” said Kerry Ebersole Singh, MEDC’s chief talent solutions and engagement officer. “The collaboration of Michigan State University and Lansing Community College will provide an incredible foundation for students, employees, employers and entrepreneurs in communities across the capital area region.”
The press conference was held at the Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest facility on MSU’s campus.
“For 20 years, our partnership with MSU has led to countless innovations and inventions, limited only by our collective imaginations,” said Thomas Schuelke, president of Fraunhofer USA and a professor of electrical and computer engineering at MSU. “With Michigan’s continued support for science and technology, we can rest assured knowing Fraunhofer USA has a great home at MSU for whatever societal challenges come next.”
For MSU, this means adding new opportunities for middle and high school students with a five-day summer camp focused on semiconductor manufacturing and processing that will be free for Detroit-area students. The funding also will be used to expand MSU’s current Michigander EV Scholars program that trains the experts of tomorrow in EV technology.
“The state funding from MEDC will provide semiconductor learning opportunities for high school students and continued support for our EV Scholars program for undergraduate students,” said Leo Kempel, dean of MSU’s College of Engineering. “These grants reinforce the critical importance of MSU’s expansion and growth, including plans for the new Engineering and Digital Innovation Center as part of MSU’s capital outlay request to the state.”
Other guests in attendance included Rep. Julie Brixie, D-Lansing; Rep. Graham Filler, R-St. Johns; MEDC Director of Higher Education Partnerships Avazeh Attari; and LCC Director of Job Training Lee Gardner.