Micron has named the Central New York Community Foundation to serve as the lead intermediary to help steward the investment of $65 million in federal dollars awarded by the Department of Commerce as part of Micron’s overall CHIPS Act incentive package. CenterState CEO and the Idaho Workforce Development Council (WDC) have been named sub-intermediaries.
These funds are designated solely for the implementation of Micron’s strategy to achieve workforce at scale as outlined in its recently released Community Impact Report. The plan is designed to prepare the future workforce with skills required to fulfill the organization’s labor needs. Strategies include inspiring K-12 students to pursue STEM programs, modernizing curriculum, increasing experiential learning, opening up access to semiconductor careers, and addressing workforce barriers such as childcare and transportation.
The Department of Commerce’s intermediary model helps companies identify and utilize strategic partners necessary to support the development of both the construction and facility workforces of large-scale semiconductor investments. The Community Foundation’s primary role will be to manage national grantmaking under the direction of Micron.
“Micron approached us for this partnership because of our strong reputation as a trusted, neutral and effective community leader,” said Melanie Littlejohn, Community Foundation president & CEO. “We have the unique ability to address broad community priorities, manage funds efficiently and administer grantmaking on a national scale. These strengths, along with our proven commitment to improving access to opportunity and removal of barriers to success, make us the ideal partner.”
In addition to grantmaking, the foundation will collaborate with two sub-intermediaries—CenterState CEO and the Idaho Workforce Development Council—to convene local and national partners, advise on funding recommendation alignment, and monitor grant performance. Workforce intermediaries will consult with stakeholders across the region’s workforce ecosystem, including education and training providers, labor unions, state and local workforce development boards, child care organizations, and community-based organizations.
In the role of sub-intermediary, CenterState CEO will work closely with Micron and local partners to inform strategy and identify workforce development programs that will prepare a diverse pool of talent for the construction and manufacturing jobs that will result from Micron’s expansion project in Clay, New York. This will increase access to new career paths for thousands of Central New Yorkers.
“CenterState CEO’s designation as one of Micron’s CHIPs intermediaries is a role that we are incredibly excited to take on with our partners at the Central New York Community Foundation and the Idaho Workforce Development Council,” said Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “Expanding opportunities for our region’s residents is central to our mission of creating a region where business thrives, and all people prosper. I look forward to working with our partners and preparing a new generation of Central New Yorkers for careers in construction and manufacturing.”
The Idaho Workforce Development Council (WDC), as sub-intermediary, will coordinate Idaho’s semiconductor-related workforce development efforts, supporting projects from development through completion. Acting as a central hub for knowledge and networking, the WDC will collaborate with subject matter experts, training providers, and community-based organizations to shape and implement successful projects. These efforts are expected to maximize the value of grant dollars by playing to the strengths of Idaho’s workforce partners and supporting solutions that are both comprehensive and long-lasting, benefitting Idahoans for generations to come.
“The Idaho Workforce Development Council is proud to partner with the CNY Community Foundation and CenterState CEO to build opportunities for Americans entering the semiconductor industry from coast to coast,” commented Wendi Secrist, WDC executive director. “We are already beginning to share best practices in talent development and look forward to deepening the partnership.”
The Community Foundation is in the process of creating a separate 501(c)(3) entity named the Central New York Innovation & Growth Initiative that will house this work. This organization will be governed by an independent board focused on compliance and accountability, which will have its own audit and reporting. This effort is not expected to change any of the Community Foundation’s current grant offerings or processes.
“This partnership extends beyond a single organization, benefiting multiple entities and impacting regions in meaningful, sustainable ways,” said Littlejohn. “By driving workforce development and addressing barriers to success, this initiative reflects our mutual core values, enhances our commitment to strengthening communities across the nation including Central New York, and ensures we continue to grow resources to meet evolving needs.”
About Central New York Community Foundation
The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested nearly $300 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time.
About CenterState CEO
CenterState CEO is an independent nonprofit committed to creating inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth in Central New York. Our team of experts helps our members, clients and businesses of all sizes start, scale, recruit and relocate. At our core, we are problem solvers working with our partners in public, private, and nonprofit sectors to find collaborative and innovative solutions to advance the region and its people.
About Idaho Workforce Development Council
Established by the Office of the Governor in 2017, the Idaho Workforce Development Council is here to make sure Idaho works. We leverage our expertise, funding, and collaborative leadership to reduce employment barriers and better connect Idahoans to in-demand jobs, benefiting individuals and employers alike. Together with Idaho’s government agencies, nonprofits and private businesses, we are building a future where Idaho’s diverse and prepared workforce meets the needs of our unique communities and employers.
