Two students in the College of Applied and Technical Studies (CATS) at Kent State University at Tuscarawas received the Intel Semiconductor Scholarship for Women award from the Intel Corporation. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology students Kendall Hoffman and Patti La Belle Neighbor each received a scholarship of $5,000 to be used for education-related expenses (tuition, fees, books, and required expenses) and other expenses, such as transportation and childcare, incurred in the 2023-24 academic year.
Kent State University, in response to a request from Intel®, a multinational technology corporation in Ohio, leads a network that includes thirteen other Ohio higher education institutions now poised to prepare the workforce to make the small electronic devices that play a significant role in our everyday lives. Of the 3,000 jobs Intel plans to bring to Ohio, over 2,000 require the electrical/electronic two-year degree offered at Kent State regional campuses.
Hoffman recently began working on her electrical/electronic engineering technology degree this semester, expects to graduate in May of 2025 and plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in the same field in May of 2027.
“I originally wanted to be a line man but my dad suggested I go to college and get a degree so I would be more on the white-collar side of the electrical power distribution industry,” said Hoffman, who lives near Newcomerstown. “I chose electrical/electronic engineering technology at Kent State Tuscarawas because its location was convenient, and I would be able to complete the degree at one institution.”
While her first interest was working in the power distribution industry, Hoffman said she is very drawn to a career with Intel.
“Intel made a great choice in choosing Kendall for the scholarship,” said Paul Dykshoorn, director of the engineering technology department at Kent State Tuscarawas. “I believe this will help her reach her educational goals.”
Another excellent scholarship recipient, Neighbor, is originally from the Philippines and resides in Uhrichsville. She is simultaneously working on her AAS in Mechanical Engineering Technology and her AAS in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology with an expected graduation of May 2024. Neighbor also hopes to complete her Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology in May 2025.
“I am dedicated to maximizing the benefits of this scholarship and am eager to contribute my utmost effort to excel in my academic pursuits,” said Neighbor. “I want to leverage this scholarship as a steppingstone towards my professional goals, including the possibility of securing a position at Intel, a company renowned for its innovation and excellence.”
Her aspiration is in the process of becoming a reality, as Neighbor recently received an offer letter from Intel for the position of Facilities Technician Intern in Arizona. This internship will begin May 2024 and extend until December of 2024. Neighbor has formally accepted the job offer and is looking forward to starting her internship at Intel.
Neighbor currently works as a student lab assistant for Dykshoorn in the Engineering Technology department.
“Although I will miss her contribution to the department, I am confident Patti’s internship will serve to enhance her engineering technology skills in the future,” said Dykshoorn.
The AAS degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology is also offered at the Kent State Trumbull campus.
To learn more about this exciting, innovative and in-demand degree, visit www.kent.edu/tusc/electricalelectronics-engineering-technology and www.kent.edu/cats.