Cleanroom

Nanoelectronics Workforce Development Initiative

Program Information and Requirements

Eligibility

The NanoScholar Internship Program is open to students in good standing enrolled in any Texas institution of higher education who meet the following requirements:

  • Age 18 or older.
  • Registered with the Selective Service System or have an exemption, if male born after December 31, 1959.
  • Eligible to work in the United States and able to work 20 hours per week.
  • Enrolled in an associate degree program or a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree program in any one of the following areas:
    • Automation Computer Engineering Mechanical Engineering
    • Biotechnology Computer Science Occupational Health or Environmental Safety
    • Bioengineering Electrical Engineering Physics
    • Biology Electronics Pre-Engineering
    • Biomechanics Engineering Design Graphics Robotics
    • Chemical Engineering Laser Electro-Optics Technology Semiconductor Technology or Nanotechnology
    • Chemistry Materials Science
    • A limited number of positions are available for students seeking graduate degrees in Business, Ethics,Finance, or Industrial Management with a technical background
  • A GPA of 2.7 or higher in major coursework. (Applicants with a lower GPA may still apply but must satisfactorily explain any extenuating circumstances.)
  • Have completed the following credit hours, depending on your degree program:
    • Associate level: 30+ credit hours, with 6-8 credit hours in your major.
    • Bachelor level: 60+ credit hours, with 9-12 credit hours in your declared major.
    • Graduate level (master’s, doctoral, or post-doctoral): Proof of enrollment with official transcript from the university.

Non-U.S. Citizens

International students must be eligible to work in the United States and may require special U.S. licensure in order to work in designated technology areas. International students are responsible for obtaining any required licenses; the internship sponsors are under no obligation to obtain licenses. The International Student Office at Austin Community College or the applicant’s college or university can assist with any eligibility questions.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed for completeness and demonstrated ability to meet all eligibility requirements. All applicants will be notified in writing of their application status. Applicants deemed qualified will be contacted for a single interview with SEMATECH, ATDF, and Austin Community College. Interviews may be conducted by phone or on location at SEMATECH in Austin, Texas. Successful candidates will be required to review an acceptance letter and sign forms acknowledging their agreement to abide by the program requirements before gaining official admittance to the program.

Placement

Interns are assigned in technical areas according to their background, technical interest, and degree program. Placement decisions, in consultation with SEMATECH and Austin Community College, are the exclusive right of ATDF or the other participating companies and depend on the needs and availability of specific project areas, as well as the suitability of applicant for specific technical area assignments.

Training

Initially, interns will be trained on basic environmental, health, and safety standards and procedures. Additional training will be provided in cleanroom protocol, standard operating procedures, and manufacturing executive systems for the assigned project areas as well as appropriate tool and process certifications. After orientation and initial training, interns work alongside their trainers on equipment and projects specific to their assigned technical area.

Full Participation and Work Requirements

Unless otherwise specified, interns are expected to work 20 hours a week and comply with all applicable workplace rules, be consistently on time, and fully participate in all assigned projects, labs, and commitments as designated by their manager trainer/mentor.

Stipends

Interns are paid a stipend by Austin Community College according to the duration of their assignment.In order to receive their full stipend, interns are expected to complete work hour requirements (typically 20 hours per week), to satisfy established timecard requirements, to comply with all applicable site rules of the ATDF or other participating company, be consistently on time, and to fully participate in assigned projects as detailed by their assigned managers. Noncompliance may result in termination from the program without notice or obligation. If an intern is dismissed or voluntarily withdraws from the program before completing the term of their internship, ACC is under no obligation to pay any unearned stipend amount and the intern will not be eligible to participate in the NanoScholar Internship Program at any future date. Stipends are paid monthly on a prorated basis and may be subject to tax withholding and a mandatory retirement fund deduction. Interns may request a refund of the retirement deduction following completion of the program.

Final Presentation

Interns give 30-minute presentations at the end of their internship to representatives of Austin Community College, SEMATECH, ATDF, and other interested parties.

Capstone Courses

Interns are encouraged, but not required, to register for specialized courses at Austin Community College as a capstone experience during their internship. A limited number of tuition waivers—up to 12 credit hours per intern, depending on availability of funds—are offered. If interested, applicants should indicate their desire on the NanoScholar Internship Program. Qualified applicants will be sent the Capstone Tutition Waiver application.

Drug-free Workplace

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Any reported violations are subject to immediate termination. This is in accordance with federal regulations, implementing Sections 5151-5160 of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, 41 U.S.C. 701; for the Department of Agriculture (7 CFR Part 3017), Department of Labor (29 CFR Part 98), Department of Education (34 CFR Part 85), and Department of Health and Human Services (45 CFR Part 76), as well as the policies of Austin Community College, SEMATECH, ATDF and any other Nanoelectronics Workforce Development Initiative participant.

Drug Screening

Drug screening is required as a condition of acceptance in the ACC NanoScholar Internship Program. Drug testing will be performed on-site by ATDF or other participating company within the first week of the internship. Failure to pass the drug screening will result in the immediate termination from the NanoScholar Internship Program and release Austin Community College, SEMATECH, and ATDF from any further obligations. ACC, SEMATECH, and ATDF reserve the right to perform random drug screening at the workplace as any party deems necessary.