Youngstown State University is working towards advancing in semiconductors and microelectronics. 

The university is joining other universities throughout Ohio, Michigan and Indiana will be collaborate on the United States' strengths in semiconductors and microelectronics.

"As we anticipate more semiconductor related investments in the Midwest area, this network will benefit our students and the entire Mahoning Valley," said Vamsi Borra, YSU assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Material Science and Engineering.

The Midwest Regional Semiconductor and Microelectronics Network will leverage existing research and learning programs to increase innovation in semiconductor and microelectronics, including supply chain ecosystems. 

Other members of the network include The Ohio State University, Michigan State University, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, as well as others. 

YSU's membership in the network comes in the wake of last week's announcement that YSU and Foxconn intend to establish a partnership to design and launch a national electric vehicle workforce training and innovation center. 

The center will build and scale a sustainable workforce for the emerging EV industry across the nation. 

The Network was also formed in anticipation of Intel Corporation's $20 billion computer chip facility under construction outside Columbus, a project that will generate 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 long-term positions in manufacturing and engineering.

At the September groundbreaking, Intel also announced $17.7 million over the next three years to help develop semiconductor-focused education and workforce programs.