2026 State of Inclusive Excellence
The VETS-UP (Veterans Semiconductor Upskilling) program helped to address a critical workforce need in Oregon’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry while supporting veterans transitioning from military service to civilian careers, as well as military-affiliated students. The program provided an intensive, eight-week training experience that combined classroom instruction with hands-on work in a semiconductor fabrication facility in partnership with Analog Devices in Beaverton. VETS-UP was a collaborative effort led by Oregon State’s Division of Educational Ventures, the College of Engineering, and the Holcomb Center for Military and Veteran Resources.
The participants — all of whom were enrolled at OSU or an Oregon community college — gained practical skills in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, robotics and technical communication. This skill development will help prepare them for high-demand careers in the technology sector in Oregon and beyond. By connecting these learners to career pathways in advanced manufacturing, VETS-UP strengthened Oregon’s workforce ecosystem while helping participants acquire the knowledge and hands-on training, they need to build stable, meaningful careers in an innovative and strategically important industry.
The program reduced barriers by providing a paid training experience, housing support and wraparound support services such as academic advising, tutoring, mental health support and assistance navigating military education benefits. These supports allowed participants to focus on skill development without the financial or logistical challenges that often limit participation in workforce training.
By intentionally designing a pathway that recognizes the skills and leadership military-connected students bring while supporting their careers, the program helped to ensure this talented population could access opportunities in a growing sector.
VETS-UP was launched through a $1 million workforce development grant from Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission as part of the state’s Future Ready Oregon initiative. The program was built on strong collaboration between Oregon State University, industry partners and statewide workforce initiatives. Our program partner, Analog Devices, provided access to its first-rate, working semiconductor facility in Beaverton, as well as industry mentorship and real-world training experiences. These partnerships ensured that the training aligned with real workforce needs and connected participants directly to industry career opportunities.
By working closely with employers, state agencies and OSU academic units, the program created a collaborative ecosystem that supports both learners and the regional economy.
As a land-grant institution, Oregon State University is committed to expanding educational opportunity and applying knowledge to address real societal needs. VETS-UP embodied this mission by connecting education, workforce development and industry collaboration to serve the people of Oregon. The program equipped learners with practical skills for high-demand jobs, supports veterans transitioning into civilian careers and helps meet the state’s workforce needs in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technology. By aligning education with community and economic priorities, VETS-UP successfully demonstrated how OSU’s land-grant mission translates into real-world impact.
The VETS-UP program supported student success through a holistic approach that combined technical training with mentorship, career preparation and academic support. Participants received guidance from industry professionals and instructors while gaining hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing environments. The program also connected participants to the OSU military community and its related support services, helping to create a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Additionally, the training was designed as part of a broader learning pathway: participants can continue building their expertise through engineering coursework or stackable educational opportunities, such as microcredentials, at OSU after completing the program.
The program’s design was informed by the experiences and needs of military-connected learners. Veterans often bring significant technical experience and leadership skills, but they may need support translating those skills into civilian education and career pathways. VETS-UP incorporated veteran-specific advising, military benefits support and connections to the OSU military community to ensure participants felt supported and understood.
By recognizing the strengths and challenges of this population and incorporating industry mentorship, The program created an inclusive learning environment where participants were able to apply their experiences and gain new technical knowledge.
The various program cohorts demonstrated strong engagement and enthusiasm for the semiconductor field. Participants gained hands-on experience in wafer fabrication environments, built confidence with new technologies and developed a clearer understanding of career opportunities in the semiconductor industry.
One participant, an OSU mechanical engineering student, said that practical exercises such as creating a circuit board were beneficial: “We found parts we’d never seen, asked how they work, tried to implement them into our circuits, and just had fun doing it all. In an expanding electrical world, I think it’s important for any engineer to have this skill.”
The program also strengthened connections between OSU, industry partners and workforce initiatives across the state. VETS-UP created a pipeline from education to employment, contributed to Oregon’s growing technology sector and helped veterans transition into rewarding careers.
The program’s funding through Oregon’s Future Ready Oregon grant program reflected statewide recognition of the need to strengthen workforce education pipelines in critical industries such as semiconductor manufacturing. VETS-UP successful demonstrated how higher education, industry and government can work together to create opportunities for learners while supporting economic growth. This recognition highlights the importance of investing in programs that expand access to high-demand careers while serving populations, military such as veterans, whose skills and leadership are vital to the workforce.
What gives us hope is the growing recognition that workforce education can both strengthen regional economies and expand opportunity for learners from diverse backgrounds. Programs like VETS-UP show how partnerships between universities, industry and government can create meaningful pathways into high-demand careers.
Looking ahead, there is tremendous opportunity to expand similar models — combining hands-on training, financial support and wraparound support services — to reach more learners across Oregon. Continuing to invest in accessible, industry-aligned education will be essential to ensuring that emerging fields such as semiconductor manufacturing are open to a broad and diverse population of learners.
