Arizona students will soon have the chance to step inside the world of semiconductors. On October 9, the Arizona Science Center will host SEMIquest, an immersive pop-up exhibition designed to spark curiosity and show how science, technology, engineering, and math connect directly to real careers in the state’s fastest-growing industry.
The exhibition is part of SEMICON West 2025, coming to Phoenix for the first time and bringing global attention to Arizona’s expanding role in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. Created by the SEMI Foundation, SEMIquest blends hands-on activities with career exploration, giving students, families, and educators an inside look at opportunities that stretch from classrooms to cleanrooms.
SEMIquest is part of the SEMI Foundation’s national and global effort to build a future-ready workforce for the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. The SEMI Foundation leads high-impact programs, from regional talent development through the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), to employer engagement and apprenticeships through the SEMI Career & Apprenticeship Network (SCAN), to upskilling and reskilling through SEMI University (SEMI U).
“Arizona is right at the heart of the semiconductor boom, and we want students here to know they belong in this industry, in this future,” said Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. “SEMIquest brings our mission to life in a hands-on, local way, connecting classrooms to cleanrooms, and turning curiosity into career paths.”
Where Learning Meets Opportunity
The SEMI Foundation designed SEMIquest to serve as a launchpad for the next generation of innovators. The October 9 experience will welcome students in grades 7–12, educators, families, and community organizations to a full day of interactive, career-connected learning, including:
- A pop-up exhibition featuring real-world semiconductor applications
- Micro:Bit coding workshops and hands-on STEM activities
- “A Day in the Life” industry spotlights with professionals working in the field
- Guided tours of SEMICON West, one of the most influential global conferences in technology
- Educator-focused training and classroom resources from partners like NXP Semiconductors and Spark Photonics
To ensure these opportunities reach beyond one day and one city, the SEMIquest Pop-Up Exhibition will be featured in the Arizona Science Center from October 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026. During this time, elements of the exhibition will also travel to communities across Arizona, offering hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities to thousands more students, families, and educators.
“SEMIquest is about lighting that STEM spark early, helping students see what’s possible and giving them a real window into semiconductor industry careers they might never have considered,” said Perla DeBaggis, Senior Specialist, Career & Industry Awareness Navigator at the SEMI Foundation. “Working hand-in-hand with industry partners across the state, the Arizona Science Center team and educator communities across Arizona, the program makes the semiconductor world tangible, exciting, and real for every student who walks through the door.”
Registration is now open for schools, educators, families, and organizations to be part of Arizona’s biggest STEM experience of the year. Space is limited. To learn how to get involved, contact Perla DeBaggis at pdebaggis@semi.org.
Learn more about SEMIquest in our recent blog. Engage with the SEMI Foundation team at SEMICON West and participate in these programs:
- Workforce Development
- SEMI U Training Workshops
About the SEMI Foundation
The SEMI Foundation’s mission is to support economic opportunity for workers and the sustained growth of the microelectronics industry through creating pathways and opportunities for job seekers and tools and systems for semiconductor companies to attract, develop, retain, and advance a diverse and skilled workforce. Visit the SEMI Foundation online to learn more, and follow the SEMI Foundation on LinkedIn.