Micron, Syracuse University Celebrate First 90 to Achieve Semiconductor Certificate Through IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity Program

Micron and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University announced that 90 transitioning servicemembers, veterans and military spouses have achieved a certificate of completion in semiconductors through IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity program that puts these individuals—including Central New Yorkers—on the pathway to a career in the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry.

The Semiconductor Hub launched in November 2024 and included a semiconductor foundations course, one of the first of its kind in the country. It is supported by Micron’s $3 million investment in IVMF to develop a specialized track within the Onward to Opportunity career training program. Part of Micron’s $250 million Community Investment Framework commitment, the Semiconductor Hub aims to provide industry knowledge and preliminary training and support for military-connected individuals interested in a career in the semiconductor industry.

“One of the steepest barriers to the successful transition to civilian life is a limited understanding of how skills learned during military service translate to civilian jobs,” says George Ramsey, Micron senior program manager, military lead. “Micron has long made it a priority to help with that transition and hire veterans because we know they bring not just the necessary skillsets to work in our industry, but the teamwork and leadership skills that are essential to making Micron an industry leader. We’re thrilled that our work with SU and IVMF already is paying off for veterans and look forward to further building out the veteran workforce pipeline in Central New York and across the nation.”

“The IVMF is pleased to partner with Micron on the successful launch of the Semiconductor Hub within the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. “Thanks to Micron’s generous support, transitioning servicemembers, veterans and military family members are now accessing high-quality, no-cost career preparation to enable them to enter and thrive in the semiconductor industry. This is a win-win for these individuals who will be better equipped to attain well-paying jobs in a high-growth field as well as companies like Micron that will benefit from their talent. Syracuse University and the IVMF look forward to continuing efforts to bolster the workforce required to support Micron’s Central New York investment.”

The inaugural cohort of 90 Onward to Opportunity participants is the first to complete a Central New York-based training program provided in conjunction with Micron. The group, which comes from military installations across the nation, includes two servicemembers stationed at Fort Drum. Additionally, an additional 204 participants are on track to receive their certificate in the coming months.

After launching the Semiconductor Hub in the first year of the Micron-SU partnership, IVMF has turned its focus for 2025 to building direct pipelines to complementary educational programs. This pipeline will help transitioning servicemembers, veterans and military spouses build skills to access future jobs at Micron and throughout the semiconductor industry.

The recognition of the first 90 participants to achieve their certificate in semiconductors came during the first-ever Micron Day at Syracuse University, highlighting how collaboration between the two entities is driving innovation in the semiconductor industry and creating exciting career pathways for students and community members.

Micron plans to make additional investments across the region that unlock new educational opportunities in the years to come, including in the Syracuse STEAM High School, a Micron cleanroom simulation lab at Onondaga Community College and the Advanced Technology Framework to help New York school districts and teachers build semiconductor and high-tech-related curriculum, among others.