Valencia College’s Osceola Campus was the site of a historic milestone Wednesday evening as community and state leaders gathered for the Semiconductor Ecosystem Reception, celebrating the launch of Florida’s first Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Semiconductor Engineering Technology. Hosted in partnership with the Orlando Economic Partnership, the Florida Semiconductor Engine, and the Florida High Tech Corridor, the event highlighted the importance of building a skilled workforce to support one of the world’s most critical industries.

Among those present were Osceola County Chairwoman and District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer and Osceola County Manager Don Fisher, joining college faculty, program leaders, and industry partners to celebrate this vital step toward enhancing both the educational and economic landscape of Osceola County.

A First for Florida

Valencia College’s A.S. in Semiconductor Engineering Technology—the first such program in the state—welcomed its inaugural student cohort this month. Funded by the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Department of Education, and the Florida Semiconductor Engine, the degree offers hands-on training and positions students for high-demand semiconductor careers. Additionally, graduates benefit from a seamless transfer pathway into the University of Central Florida’s B.S. program in semiconductor engineering.\

Guests enjoyed guided tours, met faculty and leadership shaping Florida’s tech talent pipeline, and networked over hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The reception served as a prelude to the Florida Semiconductor Engine Inaugural Conference, set for Thursday, August 28, at the Gaylord Palms Resort.

Osceola County: Shaping Florida’s Semiconductor Future

This event—and the new degree program—are part of a broader, strategic vision for Osceola County to be recognized as a cutting-edge center for semiconductor innovation. The crown jewel in this effort is NeoCity, a master‑planned 500‑acre technology district south of Orlando. NeoCity was designed to diversify the local economy beyond tourism and agriculture by attracting high-tech industries, research institutions, and advanced manufacturing facilities

A key milestone in NeoCity’s evolution was the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) Phase 2 grant, in which Osceola County emerged as one of just 21 regional winners nationwide, securing $50.8 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
This major federal investment—the first of its kind in the U.S. semiconductor arena—is fueling enhancements to fabrication and clean-room facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and six coordinated projects to foster innovation and economic resilience in the region.

Further reinforcing NeoCity’s impact, Osceola County is at the forefront of attracting complementary investments:

  • NSF Regional Innovation Engines Award: A $160 million, decade-long award supporting semiconductor innovation and workforce development, led by BRIDG and academic partners including Valencia College, UCF, and UFL.

  • DoD Cornerstone Grant: Potentially up to $289 million (as of late 2023) for microelectronics production capabilities at NeoCity.

  • Additional state and local funding including a $17.5 million Florida Job Growth Grant to develop a multi-use facility and other strategic investments.

Together, these investments position Osceola County—and NeoCity at its heart—as a transformational hub for advanced packaging, semiconductor manufacturing, research, and education. Residents stand to benefit from thousands of high-quality, high-tech jobs, strengthened infrastructure, and amplified economic diversity.

Valencia College’s new A.S. degree is more than an academic milestone—it’s a strategic component in Osceola County’s long-term vision to lead Florida into a high-tech future. With NeoCity and its funding engines, Osceola is not merely keeping pace with the semiconductor revolution—it’s setting the pace, ensuring prosperity, innovation, and opportunity remain within reach for its residents.