Lewis-Palmer School District 38 has been selected as one of the top 36 organizations nationwide in the CTE CHIPS Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
The CTE CHIPS Challenge is a multi-phase competition that supports the expansion of student recruitment, training, and placement strategies in semiconductor fabrication and advanced manufacturing careers aligned with the CHIPS and Science Act.
The winning organization will receive a $1 million prize.
According to Congress, the CHIPS Act of 2022 establishes and provides funding to carry out activities relating to the creation of incentives to produce semiconductors in the United States.
As part of the competition, D38 will launch Colorado’s first high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) course in electronics and semiconductor engineering/manufacturing in partnership with local industry leaders. The program will be housed at the district’s new Career and Innovation Center, which is scheduled to open in August 2025.
D38 will now advance to Phase 2 of the competition. During this phase, the district will refine its innovative CTE pathway in electronics and semiconductor careers, build stronger regional collaborations, and expand support for diverse learners. Successful completion of these goals will position the district for Phase 3 of the competition in the spring of 2026.
“Being selected as one of the top 36 organizations in the CTE CHIPS Challenge is not just a milestone, it’s a reflection of the innovative, student-centered work that will exist at the new D38 Career & Innovation Center. This recognition affirms our commitment to building future-ready pathways in high-demand industries,” Jessica McAllister, Director of Innovative Programs said.
You can read more about the new Career & Innovation Center here.