PSU Awarded $1 Million Grant to Expand Semiconductor Career Pathways in Gresham

High school students in Gresham to benefit from new dual-credit engineering program

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:52am

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of glowing, futuristic semiconductor chips and circuit boards in shades of cyan, magenta, and silver, conceptually representing the advanced technology and infrastructure of the semiconductor industry.A glowing, high-tech visualization of the semiconductor technology that will power new career pathways for Gresham students.Happy Valley Today

Portland State University has been awarded a $1 million state grant to expand semiconductor career pathways, including growing its dual-credit engineering program built with Gresham's Center for Advanced Learning. This will allow local high school students to earn college credit in existing CTE classes and connect them to labs, mentors, and clear routes into high-wage tech jobs.

Why it matters

The grant aims to boost tech career opportunities for Gresham students, providing them with a pathway to well-paying semiconductor and engineering jobs. This aligns with the city's efforts to attract and retain tech talent, diversify its economy, and offer more pathways to economic mobility for young people.

The details

The $1 million grant will allow PSU to expand its existing dual-credit engineering program with Gresham's Center for Advanced Learning. This will enable high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on post-secondary education and careers in the semiconductor and broader tech industries.

  • PSU was awarded the $1 million grant in April 2026.
  • The expanded dual-credit engineering program is set to launch in the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Portland State University

A public research university located in Portland, Oregon that is expanding its semiconductor career pathways program to benefit high school students in Gresham.

Center for Advanced Learning

A public charter high school in Gresham, Oregon that is partnering with PSU on the dual-credit engineering program.

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What they’re saying

“This grant will open up new opportunities for Gresham students to get a head start on high-paying tech careers right here in our community.”

— Mayor Travis Stovall, City of Gresham

What’s next

The expanded dual-credit engineering program is set to launch in the 2026-2027 school year, providing Gresham high school students with more pathways to semiconductor and other tech careers.

The takeaway

This grant demonstrates Gresham's commitment to developing its local tech talent pipeline and providing students with accessible routes to well-paying jobs in the semiconductor and broader tech industries.