Micron Community Week in CNY: a community that builds together

Our Careers in Tech events reached nearly 300 middle and high school students. During each event, students learned about semiconductors, AI, and built projects that expanded their understanding of STEM concepts. A standout moment came with the participation of Astronaut Jeanette Epps, Ph.D. M.E., a Syracuse native whose journey from local public schools to NASA resonated deeply with students and families. In her two keynotes, Dr. Epps reinforced the importance of perseverance, curiosity and community support in building careers in science and technology. Her story helped students see what’s possible when talent is nurtured locally and opportunity is expanded —an insight that continues to shape how we think about access, representation and inspiration in our STEM efforts.

Micron’s Central New York megafab project will require thousands of construction workers to safely build the leading-edge manufacturing facility. Micron is working closely with local trade unions and training providers to strengthen the construction workforce pipeline. During four Information Sessions on construction workforce, we reached nearly 200 job seekers, providing details of Micron’s construction project and clarifying how to get started in construction careers.

Community dialogue was also a central focus throughout the week, bringing regional voices into conversation about the future of innovation and growth. Roughly 125 local business and community leaders joined a Tech Talk with CenterState CEO featuring Steve Bakota, CVP, Strategy and Business Operations, and Scott Gatzemeier, CVP, Frontend Manufacturing on Micron at the intersection of AI and building high-tech manufacturing fabs.

With the United Way of Central New York, Micron team members and 60 nonprofit leaders assembled 300 hygiene kits to support community members experiencing housing insecurity. At the Food Bank of Central New York, local Micron and community volunteers packed 6,919lbs of meat, 1,380lbs of bread, and 1,036 weekend food bags for students in the Syracuse City School District. We also packed 300 food boxes for future distribution.

“I absolutely love that Micron supports charitable activities like the Food Bank,” said Jeff Maidment, director of NY site construction at Micron. “These types of events are so important to our community and to me personally. Life sometimes gets challenging but because of places like the Food Bank, families are able to make it through difficult times. I get excited about participating with organizations like the Food Bank to create opportunities and a resource for people in the community that need help. We packed hundreds of boxes of food to go to many families, the need is real, and I feel blessed to be able to help.”

“Volunteering at the Food Bank during Community Week really hit home for me as a Central New York local. Packing lunch bags alongside my Micron teammates was a meaningful way to give back to the community we live and work in,” said Kayla Case, US expansion manager at Micron.

We closed the week with a free STEM Festival at the MOST, welcoming 1,400 children and adults for a day of hands-on learning. By removing financial and access barriers, the festival created an entry point for families who might not otherwise engage with STEM experiences, reinforcing why community based, open access learning matters as Central New York builds long-term pathways into future careers.

Include a link to wherever people can see photo gallery and watch the various sizzles – ideally Micron NY page, but if that will take too long, the page on Most website that will be updated.

Watch the daily video highlights

What’s Next

Micron Community Week reflects our outcomes-based approach to social impact: listening to community priorities, investing alongside trusted partners, and learning directly from the people we aim to serve. As Central New York prepares for long-term growth, these moments of connection and learning will continue to guide our work together as Micron grows in the region.

Look for Micron STEM programming around the region:

In partnership with Syracuse University (for high school students):

STEM of Sports Academy May 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 and June 5, 12,18

Micron Signature Programs (for middle school students) in partnership with:

1. North Syracuse School District June 29 – July 1
2. CitiBOCES  July 7 – July 9
3. CitiBOCES Careers in Tech Conference July 13 – July 17
4. Onondaga Community College July 15 – July 17
5. OCM BOCES July 29 – July 31
6. Cayuga BOCES  Aug 4 – Aug 6
7. LeMoyne College  Aug 10 – Aug 12
8. Tompkins Cortland Community College Aug 10 – Aug 12

United Way of Central New York Day of Care: August 6

Check with your local school district to learn more!