Western New England University

The semiconductor workforce gap is growing. Western New England University is helping close it.

WNE has been selected as a subaward recipient under the National Network for Microelectronics Education, a national initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and aligned with the CHIPS and Science Act. The university's project will develop portable, AI-enhanced laboratory modules for microelectronics education, supporting associate- and bachelor-level learners with hands-on experience in the tools and skills needed for high-demand careers in the semiconductor field.

The anticipated Year 1 award is $66,000, with renewal potential of up to five years.

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Western New England University's Golden Bear Racing team placed 22nd out of 102 teams from around the world at this year's Baja SAE competition in Palmyra, New York, one of the strongest performances in program history. The team also finished 16th in the demanding four-hour endurance race.

The entirely undergraduate-led team designs and builds their own vehicle, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, project management, and leadership along the way.

As team president, Ahmed Elbakri put it: "Competing teaches us so many lessons, but the biggest thing we learned this year was that our team is nowhere near our full potential. We're just getting started, and we are headed there quickly."

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