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Appalachian Semiconductor Education and Technical Ecosystem (ASCENT)

Developing a High-Tech Workforce for Intel & Regional Advanced Manufacturing

Ohio University leads the Appalachian Semiconductor Education and Technical (ASCENT) Ecosystem,funded with a $3 million Intel grant to cultivate the next generation of skilled technical professionals for Ohio’s emerging semiconductor industry and regional advanced manufacturing.

logo for ASCENT Ecosystem

Earn the education you need in less than a year.

Choose a certificate. Or stack them into an associate's degree.

  • Automation Technician Certificate


    The Automation Technician Certificateprogram is offered to students who want to develop hands on technical skills in robotics and automation. 

  • Mechatronics Technician Certificate


    The Mechatronics Technician Certificateprogram is offered to students who want to combine the application of electronics and mechanics to better understand and improve industrial processes. 

  • Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology


    Learn how to create world-changing technology and embark on a successful engineering career path with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Engineering Technology.

ASCENT Scholarships Available

Ohio University's $3 million grant from Intel includes scholarships to develop an inclusive high-tech workforce. The Intel grant provides up to $400,000 in scholarships to the ASCENT partnership group each year.

Scholarships are available through ASCENT to help you prepare for a career in Ohio's high-tech industries.

Learn More

About Careers in High Tech

Work-Life Balance with Intel

Manufacturing technicians and specialists are at the heart of Intel's mission to build the world's best processors. Otis Chandler describes how Intel technicians enjoy a rewarding career with opportunities for growth and a healthy work/life balance.

Mind-Blowing Technology

Manufacturing technicians are the first to introduce bare silicon into the factory and the last to pack and ship the finished product. Gina Robles describes the excitement of working with “mind-blowing” technology.

Teamwork in the Clean Room

Manufacturing technicians are at the heart of Intel’s 24-7 manufacturing. Jesse Flachsbart describes using cutting-edge technology and developing relationships with engineers and tool owners to maximize wafer output without compromising safety.

A rendering shows early plans for two new leading-edge Intel processor factories in Licking County, Ohio. Construction is expected to begin in late 2022, with production coming online at the end of 2025.

ASCENT Program Leaders

Avinash Karanth

Chair of Ohio University’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and the Joseph K. Jachinowski Professor. Dr. Karanth leads the Technologies for Emerging Computer Architecture Laboratory (TEAL).

Eric Stinaff

Chair of Ohio University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the Nanoscale & Quantum Phenomena Institute. Dr. Stinaff’s research centers on investigating the optical and electronic properties of novel semiconductor materials, nanostructures and nanostructure-based devices. 

ASCENT Faculty Expertise

Latest News

View All ASCENT News

The Digital Enterprise Collaboratory is a training, collaboration and innovation hub focused on rapid product development to enhance American manufacturing and increase military preparedness using digital tools and techniques.
OHIO received more than $2 million in federal funding to help people move into high-tech production and design positions, which could help to even create more jobs in the region.
OHIO received more than $2 million in federal funding to help people move into high-tech production and design positions, which could help to even create more jobs in the region.
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