CDS Grant
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) received $2.5 million in funding for the Semiconductor Workforce Training Program (SWTP), a major initiative to scale technician training and build the future workforce for Arizona’s semiconductor industry.
This program was made possible through the support of Senator Mark Kelly’s office and is part of a broader effort to prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers in microelectronics.
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→ Free Training for Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Jobs
Maricopa County’s manufacturing sector continues to expand, and digital competencies have become indispensable. Through Maricopa Community Colleges’ free* IT Fundamentals course, participants can develop critical computer skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and receive a stipend equivalent to in-state tuition and fees.
This opportunity is funded through a $2.5M grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Congressionally Directed Spending by Senator Mark Kelly to grow Arizona’s semiconductor workforce.
*Upon successful completion
Grant Contact
Joy Bickham
Joy Bickham is a Grant Project Manager with Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute in the Office Workforce Strategies at Maricopa County Community College District. Her work emphasizes systemic innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. Her background includes experiences in humanitarian and intercultural initiatives, logistics, and faith-based non-profit, with the last 16 years in higher education at Mesa Community College and MCCCD. Joy’s education and passion is focused on writing and design, and she holds a Certified ScrumMaster certification. She has been married 19 years to sound engineer and educator Bryce Bickham, and they have an amazing preschooler whose favorite word is epiglottis.
Joy Bickham Project Manager, Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Grant - Semiconductor
480-731-8795
[email protected]