SEMI Foundation Launches SEMIquest: An Immersive STEM Experience to Inspire Arizona’s Future Tech Talent

Summary

PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 12, 2025 – The SEMI Foundation, the nonprofit arm of SEMI, has announced the launch of SEMIquest, an immersive, hands-on STEM experience designed to ignite curiosity and connect Arizona’s students to the vast career opportunities in the semiconductor industry. Featured as a special exhibition at the Arizona Science Center, SEMIquest will be showcased on Oct. 9 in conjunction with SEMICON West 2025, which will be hosted in Phoenix for the first time—bringing global attention to Arizona’s rapidly growing role in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.

SEMIquest is part of the SEMI Foundation’s national and global effort to build a future-ready workforce for the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. The SEMI Foundation leads high-impact programs, from regional talent development through the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), to employer engagement and apprenticeships through the SEMI Career & Apprenticeship Network (SCAN), to upskilling and reskilling through SEMI University (SEMI U).

“Arizona is right at the heart of the semiconductor boom, and we want students here to know they belong in this industry, in this future,” said Shari Liss, vice president of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. “SEMIquest brings our mission to life in a hands-on, local way, connecting classrooms to cleanrooms, and turning curiosity into career paths.”

Where learning meets opportunity

The SEMI Foundation designed SEMIquest to serve as a launchpad for the next generation of innovators. The October 9 experience will welcome students in grades 7–12, educators, families, and community organizations to a full day of interactive, career-connected learning, including:

• A pop-up exhibition featuring real-world semiconductor applications
• Micro:Bit coding workshops and hands-on STEM activities
• “A Day in the Life” industry spotlights with professionals working in the field
• Guided tours of SEMICON West, one of the most influential global conferences in technology
• Educator-focused training and classroom resources from partners like NXP Semiconductors and Spark Photonics

To ensure these opportunities reach beyond one day and one city, the SEMIquest Pop-Up Exhibition will be featured in the Arizona Science Center from Oct. 1, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026. During this time, elements of the exhibition will also travel to communities across Arizona, offering hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities to thousands more students, families and educators.

“SEMIquest is about lighting that STEM spark early, helping students see what’s possible and giving them a real window into semiconductor industry careers they might never have considered,” said Perla DeBaggis, senior specialist, Career & Industry Awareness Navigator at the SEMI Foundation. “Working hand-in-hand with industry partners across the state, the Arizona Science Center team and educator communities across Arizona, the program makes the semiconductor world tangible, exciting and real for every student who walks through the door.”

Registration is now open for schools, educators, families and organizations to be part of Arizona’s biggest STEM experience of the year. Space is limited. To learn how to get involved, contact Perla DeBaggis.
 

About the SEMI Foundation 

The SEMI Foundation’s mission is to support economic opportunity for workers and the sustained growth of the microelectronics industry through creating pathways and opportunities for job seekers and tools and systems for semiconductor companies to attract, develop, retain and advance a diverse and skilled workforce. 

About SEMI 

SEMI is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics.