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Fully Automated PCB Assembly Line Equipped with High Precision Robot Arms at Electronics Factory.

Manufacturing Specialist Intensive (MSI) Pathway

The Manufacturing Specialist Intensive (MSI) Pathway is a unique partnership between Dysart Unified School District, Grand Canyon University (GCU), and TSMC designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry. Selected students will participate in an 11-week spring cohort beginning in mid-February 2027, where they will take college-level semiconductor and advanced manufacturing coursework taught by a GCU instructor. Students who successfully complete the program will earn 12 college credits at no cost to the student. The cohort will be hosted at Valley Vista High School, with Dysart Unified School District providing participating students with 1.0 high school internship credit for successful participation in the program. 

Why Join the Cohort

  • 11 weeks of training
  • 12 college credits at Grand Canyon University at no cost 
  • Pathway to employment at TSMC out of high school starting at $55,000
  • Learn how to operate automated systems
  • Contribute to technology that impacts lives and strengthens communities

Requirements

Please note that students interested in participating must: 


  • Be a senior during the 2026-2027 school year 
  • Be on track for graduation 
  • Pass a placement exam that will be administered in early August 2026 
  • Be willing to have their school schedule adjusted to accommodate MSI instruction from approximately 7:15 AM to 11:15 AM during the spring semester 

Because of the unique schedule requirements of the program, participating students’ fall and spring semester schedules may need to be modified to ensure they remain on track for graduation while participating in the cohort. After submitting this interest form, students will receive additional information regarding the placement process, including study materials and preparation resources for the required exam. Completion of this interest form does not guarantee acceptance into the cohort. Enrollment is limited and students must successfully complete the selection and placement process to participate.


Interest Form

Learn More About TSMC Arizona

Grand Canyon University Courses

JRE-106: Finding Success As A Manufacturing Specialist Course

This course is designed to provide the essential skills needed to thrive in the semiconductor industry as a manufacturing specialist. Students will be introduced to topics such as pre[1]apprenticeship, career preparation, and industry specific skillsets needed to be successful in their new role. Additionally, the course will provide an overview of the semiconductor industry, the key company leaders in the industry, and emerging trends within the semiconductor field. Business basics and financial literacy (i.e. loans, interest rates, cash flow) will also be covered as they provide crucial skills for effective financial management. Lastly, project management and MS Office tools will be covered to emphasize the technical skills necessary for efficient project planning and execution in the performance of their new job roles and responsibilities as a manufacturing specialist

JRE-121: Math Applications

This course covers basic math concepts and operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, and rational numbers, proportions, and percentages. Other concepts include algebraic equations, basic trigonometry, and the application of math and its use in the real world.

JRE-181: Manufacturing Specialist Foundation Course

This course is designed to provide the essential knowledge and skills necessary for a manufacturing specialist in the key areas of work-place safety, standard operating procedures (i.e., SOP), structured workflows, process monitoring, and process analysis of the wafer fabrication process. By covering topics such as OSHA regulations, gown room protocols, wafer manufacturing process flow, production quality (i.e., die and line yields), lean manufacturing, metrology, and statistical process control (SPC), students are equipped with a good overall understanding of the wafer fabrication process and how the microprocessor devices are created within the semiconductor industry. The topics covered provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of the semiconductor manufacturing process, which allows them to quickly transition and be very effective in their new role as a manufacturing specialist.

JRE-111: English for Professional Written and Verbal Communication

This course focuses on professional written and verbal communication for the workplace relevant to various trades as well as comprehension and interpretation of written, graphic, and verbal communication.

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