Staff Reports | Community Updates
GateWay Community College and Minghsin University of Science and Technology have formed a partnership aimed at expanding semiconductor workforce development, academic collaboration and cross-cultural learning opportunities between Arizona and Taiwan.
The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony in Taiwan and commits both institutions to preparing students for careers in the global semiconductor industry. The announcement coincided with SEMICON Taiwan, where an Arizona delegation led by the Arizona Commerce Authority worked to strengthen educational ties between Arizona and Taiwan, according to a press release.
The delegation included Dr. Amy Diaz, president of GateWay Community College; Dr. Kimberly Britt, executive vice chancellor and provost of Maricopa Community Colleges; and Valerie Jones, vice chancellor of workforce and economic development for Maricopa Community Colleges.
“Our partnership with MUST represents an exciting new era for GateWay and semiconductor training in Arizona and Taiwan,” Dr. Diaz said. “It gives us a chance to create more cross-cultural opportunities for our students and faculty, helping our campus community see the broader impact advanced manufacturing has on a global scale.”
Arizona has emerged as a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing and is home to companies including TSMC and Intel. To support workforce needs within the industry, Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority invested $20 million in the Future48 Workforce Accelerator, a semiconductor-focused training center scheduled to open in January 2027 at GateWay Community College’s Central City campus.
“The rapid transformation of Arizona’s semiconductor industry comes with a greater need for both local and global talent,” Dr. Britt said. “By working together with international leaders, Maricopa Community Colleges is taking the necessary steps to prepare our students to become the future-ready workforce Arizona is relying on.”
Officials said the partnership is intended to provide students at both institutions with additional opportunities to develop intercultural competencies, language skills and global perspectives while preparing for careers in the semiconductor sector.
Under the agreement, GateWay Community College and Minghsin University of Science and Technology will collaborate on:
•Study abroad opportunities and short-term academic exchanges focused on the semiconductor industry.
•Cultural immersion experiences in Arizona and Taiwan.
•Semiconductor summer camps and experiential learning opportunities.
•Faculty collaboration involving teaching methods, curriculum development and emerging technologies.
•Participation in the International Industrial Talents Education program and related initiatives.
•Joint recruitment efforts to support international student enrollment and strengthen the semiconductor workforce pipeline.
“As Arizona’s largest workforce development provider, Maricopa Community Colleges is building a skilled talent pipeline the semiconductor industry needs to thrive,” Ms. Jones said. “Through our partnership with MUST, we are strengthening the connection between Arizona and Taiwan while fueling long-term economic growth.”
