SCALE K-12: Building the Future of Careers in Microelectronics

SCALE K-12 is a program dedicated to preparing students for careers in microelectronics (ME) by providing teachers and schools with the tools to create and implement engaging learning experiences centered around microelectronics concepts and contexts.

Photo of student working with microelectronics.
  • Multiple electronic microcontroller boards connected with colorful wired cables on a white background.
  • A group of people gathered around a table working on a colorful project with laptops, notebooks, and phones.
  • Group of people attending a presentation in a brightly lit indoor space with a large window and colorful hexagonal wall art.
  • Close-up of a green printed circuit board (PCB) with various electronic components, including chips, resistors, and connectors.
  • A can of SCALE K-12 with the text 'Scalable ASYMMETRIC Lifecycle Engagement' and 'Precollege Microelectronics Workforce Development' in the foreground, with a blurred classroom or conference room with people in the background.
  • A classroom with students sitting at tables and working, teacher standing at the front near a smartboard displaying colorful graphics.
  • Close-up of a blue printed circuit board with gold connectors and electronic components.
  • Laboratory with scientific equipment, computers, and workstations.
  • Teacher and two students in a classroom with a whiteboard, math equations, and colorful notes.
  • A person wearing blue gloves holding a computer processor with a colorful array of microchips and circuits.
Photo of people working on a computer

ABOUT US

Fostering Future Innovators

SCALE K-12 empowers students for microelectronics careers while engaging entire school systems to integrate microelectronics across K-12 education. Through curriculum development workshops and vertical alignment initiatives, teachers design modules and activities, fostering exposure and interest in microelectronics for diverse student backgrounds.

PROGRAM EXECUTION

Integrating Microelectronics Across Districts

Practically, SCALE K-12 works with targeted school districts to implement microelectronics integration across the entire school system. There are a few ways we plan to execute this:

VERTICAL ALIGNMENT

for school districts to ensure students from Kindergarten to high school graduation are engaged with microelectronics

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

with teachers and university partners through summer workshops, interactive feedback loops, and support for implementation in the classroom

VIRTUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

for teachers around the world to learn about the curriculum and get instruction to how to integrate microelectronics into their classrooms

SUMMER CAMPS

for K-12 students to learn about microelectronics in an out-of-school setting

NOYCE ME MASTER TEACHER FELLOWS

for K-12 teachers to become district leaders in microelectronics integration

Image of a microchip icon

PROGRAM GOALS

Preparing Students for Microelectronic Careers

The goal of SCALE K-12 is to provide introduction & access to microelectronics, as well as develop interest & skills, through a variety of K-12 innovations: teacher and student programming, curriculum development, & nanoHUB online access.

Recent SCALE K-12 Resources

NEWS & EVENTS

What’s Happening with SCALE K-12

  • Read our latest newsletter here

  • Presented by Tamara J. Moore of Purdue University, this seminar highlights the SCALE K-12 initiative and its approach to integrating cutting-edge technologies into K–12 education. The session explores how schools and educators can connect students with relevant content, real-world contexts, and career pathways tailored to their communities. Centered on microelectronics, the SCALE K-12 model emphasizes whole-school engagement through vertical alignment, collaborative curriculum development with educators and industry partners, and out-of-school learning experiences. The seminar also examines the theoretical foundations that support these strategies, offering insights applicable to broader STEM education and workforce development efforts.

  • Held February 2–3, 2026, in Washington, D.C., SCALE-Con was a strategic workforce engagement event connecting employers, students, faculty, and national leaders committed to strengthening the U.S. microelectronics workforce. The event emphasized student demonstrations of engineering skills, research, and career-ready expertise rather than a traditional career fair format.

  • The 2026 Indiana STEM Education Conference centered on the theme “STEM Journeys,” celebrating the diverse pathways and experiences within STEM education. Presentations shared resources and strategies focused on advancing student learning and strengthening STEM academic standards.

OUR IMPACT

“SCALE K–12 has accelerated our ability to bring NASA mission science into classrooms across the country.” – Daniel Loveless

“I think students are really happy when they can see that their teachers are supported.” – Dr. Molly Goldstein

“It’s amazing to see students go from unsure to deeply curious. SCALE K–12 sparks lasting interest in STEM.” – Allison Clegg

“My students are discovering engineering through SCALE K–12—something they might never have encountered otherwise.” – Mya Lorenz

“SCALE K-12 gives students real-world engineering experiences-from client challenges to hands-on tools like CNC machines.” - Justin Resler

“Watching students blend STEM with storytelling—coding, creating, and communicating like professionals—has made SCALE K–12 the highlight of their school year.” – Anthony Price

“Coming back for a second year, I feel confident and excited to teach microelectronics—thanks to SCALE K–12’s hands-on learning and supportive community.” – Kim Wright

“This program revealed just how many microelectronics careers are within reach—and I can’t wait to share that with my students.” – Ivonne Alarcon

“Bringing cutting-edge tech into my band classroom through SCALE K–12 is opening doors my students never expected.” – Katelyn Helms