What is PATHS Training program?
PATHS (Preparing Autistic Individuals for Transition to Become Quality Assurance Engineers in Semiconductor)
📋 Overview: PATHS is an 8-week hybrid training program designed to develop workforce skills in semiconductor physical assurance and advanced packaging.
💵 Incentive: Participants who complete all modules are eligible to receive up to $500.
💼Internship: Selected students will have internship opportunities with semiconductor companies with stipends of up to $10,000, fully covered by UF.
🎓 Eligibility:
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18 years of age or older
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Currently enrolled in or holding an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
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Ability to travel to Gainesville, FL, for a two-day orientation (all travel expenses will be fully covered)
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U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Neurodivergent individuals are encouraged to apply
Co-designed with autistic individuals, the program empowers neurodivergent participants to build on their unique strengths and pursue careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry
Interested in Mentoring? Become a PATHS Mentor
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Guide 3 mentees: 3 virtual meetings (30 min each).
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Compensation will be provided.
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Conference support (registration fee/travel) available.
"PATHS connected me with a mentor who helped me navigate my career goals, strengthen my resume, and build confidence for interviews. That one-on-one guidance was so invaluable ."
— PATHS Participant, 2026 Cohort
"I really enjoyed the VR experience. It allowed me to see and interact with semiconductor processes like deposition in a hands-on, visual way, it made the concepts much easier to understand."
— PATHS Participant, 2026 Cohort
What does training include?
Career Pathways After Training
Selected students will have the opportunity to intern with leading national semiconductor foundry and defense technology companies.
Each intern will receive up to $10,000 in stipends, along with travel support.
Program at a Glance
8 Weeks (mid Sep - mid Nov, 2026)
Hybrid format
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Week 1 | In-person 2 Day workshop at the University of Florida (Sep 18th, Sep 19th)
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Weeks 2–7 | Online lectures with integrated VR training and one-on-one industry mentorship via Zoom.
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Week 8 | Synchronous online employment bootcamp, hosted by industry experts and staff from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of Florida.
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18 years of age or older
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Interest in semiconductor fabrication
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM field (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science)
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Ability to travel to Gainesville, FL, for a two-day orientation (all travel expenses will be fully covered)
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U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders)
2026-2027 Timeline
Note: This is a tentative timeline and may be subject to change depending on circumstances.
Interested in Mentoring? Become a PATHS Mentor
-
Guide 3 mentees: 3 virtual meetings (30 min each).
-
Compensation will be provided.
-
Conference support (registration fee/travel) available.