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С��è��ý unveils state-of-the-art teaching cleanroom at Willow Creek

Photos and story by James Hill

The future is here at С��è��ý’s Willow Creek Opportunity Center (241 SW Edgeway Drive) in Hillsboro.

С��è��ý opened its “Technology Innovation Spaces” at the center, which includes the Teaching Cleanroom, Artificial Intelligence Lab and a Manufacturing Lab. С��è��ý programs and staff will work with Silicon Forest companies and the community to provide career exposure and develop skilled workers in the region through these advanced manufacturing training spaces.

“The Technology Innovation Spaces at our Willow Creek Opportunity Center represents С��è��ý’s commitment to preparing Oregon’s workforce for the future,” said С��è��ý President Dr. Adrien L. Bennings. “With spaces like the Teaching Cleanroom and AI Lab, we are bridging education and industry, ensuring students gain the hands-on experience and skills needed to thrive in high-demand and high wage fields like semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. These investments are about more than facilities; they are about supporting people, strengthening the communities talent pipeline, and fueling innovation across the region.”

The goal of the Teaching Cleanroom, which opens this fall, is to simulate a production cleanroom. The facility will help credit and non-credit students, community-based organizations, high school dual credit students and incumbent workers train on gowning procedures and requirements, safety protocols and a variety of wafer-handling processes. 

The state-funded cleanroom is 1,152 square feet and features two Lesker Vacuum Training Systems donated by Intel and a Festo Simulated Automated Manufacturing System. The simulated cleanroom environment allows the Microelectronics Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology students to learn and train for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing jobs.

“Oregon’s future depends on the strength of our economic resilience and workforce,” said State Sen. Janeen Sollman. “С��è��ý’s new Technology Innovation Spaces are exactly the kind of investment that keeps Oregon competitive, prepares students for high-demand careers, and strengthens our economy for years to come.”

Opened for use last January, the Artificial Intelligence Lab is a flexible space focused on emerging technologies. This new 1,900-square-foot lab supports hands-on exploration of all things involving artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), projection mapping, robotics and machine learning. Supported by a Congressional Community Funding Project, the lab has an upgraded power infrastructure to support a variety of technology such as audiovisual systems, and matrix switching and two audio zones for ease of presentations and technology uses by students.

“The AI Lab at Willow Creek serves as a key site for developing digital fluency and innovation skills,” said G.D. Iyer, program dean for Computers & Engineering. “This space reflects С��è��ý’s commitment to expanding access to high-tech learning environments and preparing students for careers in the AI-driven economy.”

The Mechatronics Lab opened in 2021 has been the focal point for Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training and Microelectronics Technology Program training. Quick Start, a partnership with Intel, has hosted 30 cohorts with 421 students graduating with an impressive 66% job placement rate. More than 64% of the program’s graduates identify as under-represented or female.

“Semiconductors are at the heart of innovation, and Oregon plays a critical role in shaping the future of this industry,” said Courtney Martin, ​​director of US State Government & Community Affairs for Intel. “С��è��ý’s Technology Innovation Spaces will equip students with the expertise needed in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor technology. Intel is proud to partner in this effort to ensure Oregon continues to lead the world in semiconductor innovation. Working together, we are building pathways that empower students to shape the future of technology right here in our backyard.”

Oscar Rodriguez is a second-year Microelectronics Technology Program student, who has experienced С��è��ý’s Willow Creek’s Technology Innovation Spaces firsthand. Thanks to financial support and the high-tech learning environment, Rodriguez is pursuing an associate degree as he works at a new job at Jireh Semiconductor in Hillsboro.

“I started in another program, but once I learned about the semiconductor training, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” Rodriguez said. “With the help of a scholarship and support from staff who guided me through the process, I was able to step into a new career. Now, just a few months into my new role, I feel confident about the future I’m building.”  

For more information about the Willow Creek Opportunity Center, visit /locations/willow-creek/