News
“Bringing the world to our students”: Arizona Western College establishes global partnerships to expand semiconductor training
October 2, 2026Yuma, Ariz. (October 2, 2026) – Arizona Western College has signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with three universities in Taiwan to strengthen workforce pathways for students in Yuma and La Paz Counties.
Collaborating with Asia University, Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology not only enhances AWC’s ability to offer competitive industry training but gives AWC students access to Taiwan’s leading experts in semiconductor manufacturing and technology.
“We are bringing Taiwan’s expertise into our classrooms and labs here in Yuma,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan, President of Arizona Western College. “These universities are some of the best in the world for semiconductor education, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and engineering, with pipelines to companies like Apple, AT&T, and Intel. Building these pathways for our students allows us to contribute to this global industry, not just for our state but for our nation. Companies will look to Yuma and say, ‘that is the place to be.’”
Looking forward, the partnerships will include student and faculty exchanges, curriculum collaboration, applied learning, research, and stronger connections between education and industry. AWC leadership is also working with the Taiwan Ministry of Education to potentially offer scholarships and paid internships for AWC students.
“Our students shouldn’t have to move to a major metropolitan area to access these opportunities,” said Dr. Shadi Kilani, Executive Vice President of the Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College. “By collaborating with leading universities in Taiwan, we can connect students to the knowledge and skills needed for careers in high-growth fields. We already have a lot of skill-based training in place that leads to this; but we have a responsibility to our students to deepen training opportunities and attract more resources and more employers. We are working hard to deliver on that promise."
The agreements were finalized during AWC’s recent visit to Taiwan as part of a delegation with the Arizona Commerce Authority.
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Contact:
Mandy Heil
Dean of Marketing and Communications
Arizona Western College
mandy.heil@azwestern.edu
(928) 314-9594