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Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University, from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's READI program, have developed a new semiconductor workforce development program for high school rising juniors and seniors in the Greater Lafayette region.

Program Description & Goals

PITCH is a two-week summer program for rising Junior and Senior high school students in the Greater Lafayette Region: Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White counties. The program includes hands-on experience with faculty at Ivy Tech and Purdue, site visits to area manufacturers who use semiconductors, opportunities to hear from industry leaders, and team-based projects with peers. Participants will receive a $1500 stipend for their full participation in the two week program.

The goals of the PITCH program are to:

  • Motivate local participation in the growing semiconductor and microelectronic industry in the Greater Lafayette Area.
  • Raise awareness about the social and technical relevance of semiconductors and microelectronics in different industries.
  • Provide immersive opportunities to explore career and educational pathways in the field of semiconductors and microelectronics that align with participants' interests and ambitions.
  • Build technical and non-technical skills to pursue careers in the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem.

Program Dates: Summer 2025

June 2 - 13

Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Program Application

Application review begins April 14th

Eligibility criteria:

  • Must be entering junior or senior year of high school in Fall 2025
  • Must not have done the PITCH summer program previously
  • Must be a resident of and/or attend high school in one of the following Indiana counties: Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Tippecanoe, Warren, or White.
  • Be willing to learn. No experience with electronics or programming needed.

To apply complete the application linked below.

The application includes a number of contact and demographic questions along with three short essay questions, which are also listed below. You will want to make sure you have your parent/guardian's contact info (emails and phone numbers) available. The application will take 5-10 minutes to complete in addition to how long it takes you to complete the three short essay questions below.

  • In 100-200 words, please tell why the opportunity to participate in the program is important to you. What value do you see in participating in this program?
  • In 100-200 words, please tell us why you are an ideal candidate to participate in this program. This immersive experience focuses on activities within diverse teams, aimed at expanding knowledge in semiconductor and microelectronic-related careers. It is not necessary to have prior knowledge in semiconductors or electronics, but we want to hear what skills, interests, knowledge, and passions you will be able to share with the program and its participants. You can include how your qualities align with the goals of the program, emphasizing the contributions you can bring to the collaborative learning environment.
  • In 100-200 words, tell us about a recent accomplishment (an experience/ activity/ project) that you feel proud of. Please elaborate on what made it so memorable/special to you and what role you played.
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PITCH School Recruitment Visits

Educators, help us spread the word. We would love to have someone from our team visit your school/class to share more about this opportunity. If you are a teacher/administrator at a high school in one of the READI program counties (Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White), please complete the survey linked below.

School Visit Survey

Student and Parent Info Session

High School READI Program - Student and Parent Info Session

Watch

28:54

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need knowledge of semiconductors or any other electronics?

No, it is not required to have prior knowledge or experience in semiconductors, electronics, or engineering.

Will I be paid for participating in this program?

Participants will receive a $1500 stipend at the completion of the program

Will lunch be provided?

Lunch will be provided everyday

Does this program have a cost?

There is no registration fee or program cost to participate

Is this a residential program?

No, participants will be dismissed from campus locations at 4:00 PM each day. This is not an overnight program.

Will transportation be provided?

Participants will need to provide their own transportation to Ivy Tech Community College - Lafayette and Purdue University, bus charter transportation will be provided for site visits to Greater Lafayette and state-wide industry partners

When will I know if I have been accepted into the program?

Admissions decisions will be sent out via email mid-April

Can I live outside the Greater Lafayette Area and still participate?

No, students must live or be enrolled in a high school within one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White

Do I have to attend the entire duration of the program?

We understand life happens, but we highly encourage students to commit to attending the entire duration of the program.

What hours does the program run, and on what days?

The program will run Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Questions

Please email readi@purdue.edu