OUR LOCATIONS
SCAN MICHIGAN
SCAN Michigan brings semiconductor career awareness activities to students and supports training programs to microelectronics employers throughout the state. Michigan is investing in a talent pipeline to fill current and future roles within the chip industry, and SCAN assists in that process.
SCAN MI Updates
We had a strong 2024 and look forward to more collaboration with our partners in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Programs included Semiconductor Days, Train the Teacher Sessions, Partner Support, and so much more, such as providing semiconductor-related content for high school and middle school students at events at Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, and the University of Detroit Mercy. These events, trainings, and partner collaborations are scalable nationwide, and we will continue the same work going forward through supporting our partners while developing and creating more avenues for integrating the semiconductor industry into the great state of Michigan. The SEMI Foundation is committed to helping to create great careers that promote a wonderful quality of life for all Michiganders.
471,182
Individuals reached through media campaigns and other events
26,375
Students reached through in-person STEM and career exploration events
585
Employer & ecosystem contacts receiving regular updates on SCAN
70
Educators in Michigan engaged with SEMI Foundation programming
13
Michigan employers participating in at least one SEMI Foundation event or initiative in 2024
SCAN MI Events
Stay tuned for ways to get involved in 2025 as we join forces with our partners to bring Semiconductor Days, Women in Semiconductor events, teacher training partnerships, other semiconductor event collaboration, and more to the great state of Michigan!
Job Opportunities
Stay tuned!
About SCAN MI
SCAN Michigan collaborates with a network of employers, training providers, and a wide range of external stakeholders to develop apprenticeships and related earn-and-learn training programs for the semiconductor industry. As part of the CHIPS in Michigan initiative, our team works closely with educators to promote awareness of the industry to Michigan students and to highlight the rewarding career opportunities available now and in the near future. We have reached more than 40,000 students through career awareness activities.
We pilot and sponsor various semiconductor events, including:
- Collegiate Semiconductor Days
- Semiconductor Day Jr. for high school students
- K-12 Teacher Resource Training and Professional Development
- Thought partnerships for K-12 semiconductor summer camps
- MiCareerQuest Career Exploration events
- STEM Camp Support at Partner Universities and Community Colleges
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and new apprenticeship openings at SCAN employers in the region. If your company is interested in building a Registered Apprenticeship Program or learning more about the model, please reach out to scanmi@semi.org.
Also, if your organization is interested in obtaining thought partnership or guidance for your industry awareness activities, please reach out to scanmi@semi.org.
meet the Michigan team
Patrick Gillen joined the SEMI Foundation as an Apprenticeship Administrator in September 2022. He will primarily support the administration, data, and contract compliance of the SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) in Michigan, including both apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. He will also provide support for related SEMI Foundation programs.
Before joining SEMI, Patrick worked with clients at Thomas P. Miller and Associates to develop workforce and economic development solutions for their communities. Before that, Patrick worked as an advancement research specialist at Kent State University.
Bia Hamed, Ph.D. joined the SEMI Foundation as Program Manager, Global Education Initiatives in June 2024. She will be responsible for executing and expanding High Tech U across various regions and with a variety of different partners. She will also work with me to continue the global expansion of High Tech U, building on our recent successes with SEMI SEA and SEMI Europe.
Before joining SEMI, Bia was a fantastic on-the-ground partner for us, implementing High Tech U with numerous teachers and students in Southeast Michigan. Bia has worked in higher education for over 20 years creating and delivering programming promoting STEM education and careers to K-12 with a special emphasis on underserved and minority students. She has created many programs that are always free and open to any students who want to learn such as Digital Divas, Digital Dudes, Aviation Day, STEM Kit for Kids, and a TV show named The Future of Me, to name a few.
In her spare time, Bia enjoys volunteering in the community, hiking, and traveling.
Jeana Harper-Kirkland joined the SEMI Foundation as Program Navigator – SCAN Michigan in September 2022. She will be the boots-on-the ground support and coordinator for the design, development, and implementation of the SEMI Foundation’s SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) program in Michigan.
Before joining SEMI, Jeana worked as an Eligibility Specialist at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and before that, as a Career Pathways Navigator and Instructor at Southwest Economic Solutions. Jeana also is a veteran Spanish Teacher and Teacher Coach with the Detroit Public Schools.
Jeana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts degree in Spanish from Eastern Michigan University with Teacher Certification. Jeana is located in Detroit, Michigan, where she lives with her husband. In her spare time, she runs her small business, enjoys reading, dances African and Latin dance, and is a “resource navigator” for family and friends.
Rick VanIttersum joined the SEMI Foundation as Program Manager – SCAN Michigan in September 2022. He strategizes, oversees, and implements the SEMI Foundation’s SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) program in Michigan. He collaborates closely with a wide range of external stakeholders, overseeing the development of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in multiple occupations in the industry.
Before joining SEMI, Rick spent eight years at Kinexus Group/Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren working as a Talent Development Specialist and then a Talent Development Manager in the American Job Center. Most recently, Rick served as Vocational Training Manager & Apprenticeship Success Coordinator. He managed apprenticeship building activity in Southwest Michigan and created new USDOL Registered Apprenticeship programs in non-traditional occupations.
Rick enjoys spending time with his wife Sara, his daughter Chloe (age 5), his son James (age 1), and his dog Brownie. Rick is an avid University of Michigan sports fan where he is a football season ticket holder, and has attended Michigan games at nearly every Big Ten campus (minus Rutgers and Maryland). He is looking forward to future Big Ten games at USC and UCLA. Rick also enjoys traveling, exploring craft breweries, and relaxing on Michigan’s many lakes and waterways.
Richard Walker serves as the Senior Program Manager – Industry Awareness, working to elevate the semiconductor industry’s profile through strategic programming and partnerships to help drive the expansion of a skilled workforce talent pool.
Richard co-founded a sports science company focused on wearable sensor data analysis for elite sports teams before spearheading initiatives such as a PBS show spotlighting innovative STEM careers. With a background in corporate law and extensive experience in marketing and advertising across agencies of all sizes, Richard brings a rich and diverse skill set to his current role.
Based in S.E. Michigan with his wife and three children, Richard holds a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University – College of Law, an MBA from Wayne State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.