About Us

No single institution can solve the semiconductor workforce challenge alone

EDGE is a national, cross-sector coalition bringing higher education and industry together to build a stronger, more connected semiconductor talent pipeline.

"Expanding the semiconductor labor force, and the pipeline of skilled workers in STEM fields more broadly, is a matter of vital national and economic security."
Sian Leah Beilock · President, Dartmouth College and EDGE Consortium Co-founder
01Who We Are

A national coalition, not a single institution

EDGE connects students to the experiences, exposure, and support they need to move from learning to opportunity.

The EDGE Consortium is a national, cross-sector initiative bringing together higher education and industry to build a stronger semiconductor talent pipeline, across universities, colleges, employers, and partners.

EDGE leaders and Micron engineers in discussion
EDGE leaders meet with Micron engineers in Boise, Idaho
02What We Do

The EDGE Model moves students from interest to readiness

EDGE prepares students to enter semiconductor roles with the skills and confidence to contribute effectively from day one. Through a growing consortium of schools, industry partners, and hands-on learning opportunities, EDGE helps students develop the technical and professional foundation needed for a rapidly changing field.

  • 01Early exposure
  • 02Cross-institutional community
  • 03Applied learning
  • 04Industry engagement
  • 05Capacity building

Students

Emerging talent across majors and institutions

Member Schools

Universities and colleges across the country

Industry Partners

Employers across the semiconductor ecosystem

03Across the Network

What the consortium looks like in practice

From fab floors and cleanrooms to mentoring tables and campus labs, EDGE happens where students meet the field directly.

EDGE Scholars in cleanroom suits at the University of Washington
Scholars suited up at the University of Washington
Students meeting Intel engineers over lunch
Students connect with Intel engineers
An EDGE Scholar speaking during a site visit discussion
Scholars in discussion on a site visit
Students showing wafer coupons during an SJSU microfabrication workshop
Semi-fab workshop at San José State
Probe station inside a cleanroom lab
Inside a nanofabrication facility
EDGE Scholars

See where a Scholar’s path can lead

Explore EDGE Scholars
EDGE partners gathered at a NobleReach convening
EDGE convenes partners across education and industry
04Our History
2023

Founded in 2023 by seven member schools and led collaboratively by Dartmouth and Indiana University, EDGE was created to meet a national need: preparing the workforce required for the future of semiconductors.

Since then, it has grown into a nation-wide network, connecting employers, students, and partners to make pathways into the field more visible, more connected, and better aligned with employer needs.

As demand rises alongside AI and other emerging technologies, EDGE is helping students build the skills, confidence, and exposure to contribute sooner.

Today, EDGE strengthens the connection between education and employment — showing students a clearer sense of where they fit, equipping institutions with a stronger way to prepare talent, and giving employers earlier access to the next generation.

05Leadership

Meet the team

Marla Dowell
Executive Director

Marla Dowell

Marla joined EDGE in spring 2025 as the Consortium's inaugural Executive Director, after directing the CHIPS Metrology Program and the NIST Boulder Laboratory.

Read full bio

At the U.S. Department of Commerce she led major efforts in semiconductor R&D, measurement science, and cross-sector partnerships. She holds a B.S. in physics from Michigan, a PhD in physics from MIT, and an MBA from CU Boulder, and is a fellow of AAAS, IEEE, and SPIE.

Lesley Nesbitt
Program Director

Lesley Nesbitt

Lesley serves as Program Director for the EDGE Consortium, bringing more than 20 years of experience across education, from early childhood through higher education.

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A seasoned leader in admissions, recruiting, marketing and communications, and assessment, she helps grow the Consortium's ecosystem of educators, industry leaders, federal partners, and students strengthening pathways into semiconductor careers.

Hannah Leeper
Program Coordinator

Hannah Leeper

Hannah supports the operational foundations of the program as it launches and scales, with more than a decade of experience in program management and cross-sector collaboration.

Read full bio

Her background spans education, science, and international exchange. She holds a degree in Anthropology and Spanish from Ohio State and a certificate in Science Communication from the University of Edinburgh.

06Get Involved

How you can help

Building a stronger semiconductor talent pipeline takes students, universities, industry partners, and advocates working toward the same goal.

For Universities

Become a member school

Expand student pathways through a national network of universities and colleges.

Join as a member school
For Industry

Become an industry partner

Engage emerging talent earlier and help shape workforce readiness.

Partner with EDGE
For Allies

Support the mission

Back the programs, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to scale.

Contact EDGE
For Industry Become an Industry Partner Engage emerging talent earlier, support day-one readiness, and help shape a more job-relevant semiconductor talent pipeline. Become an EDGE Partner → For Universities Become a Member School Expand student pathways through a national network of universities and colleges, shared programming, and stronger industry connections. Become an EDGE Member School → For Students Become an EDGE Scholar Explore the semiconductor industry, build community, and connect with experiences that help you understand where you fit. Become an EDGE Scholar →