Two students in the College of Applied and Technical Studies (CAT) at Kent State University at Tuscarawas received Intel® Semiconductor Scholarship for Women awards. The scholarships support education-related expenses (tuition, fees, books, etc.) as well as other expenses including transportation and childcare. 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 from the Intel Corporation for the 2023-24 academic year.
In response to a request from the multinational tech corporation Intel®, Kent State is leading a network of 13 other Ohio higher education institutions 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, more than 2,000 require the electrical/electronic two-year degree offered at Kent State Regional Campuses.
Kendall Hoffman recently began working on an electrical/electronic engineering technology degree this semester. She expects to graduate in May of 2025 and plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in the same field in May of 2027.
“I originally wanted to be a lineman, 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.”
Patti La Belle Neighbor is originally from the Philippines and resides in Uhrichsville. She is simultaneously working on two associate degrees: one in Mechanical Engineering Technology and the other in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology. She expects to graduate in May of 2024. Neighbor also hopes to complete a 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 stepping stone toward my professional goals, including the possibility of securing a position at Intel, a company renowned for its innovation and excellence.”
Neighbor will begin an internship at Intel® in Arizona in May as a facilities technician. She currently works as a student lab assistant 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.