For over 10 years, the ERC Program and the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) have collaborated not only on research but also with SRC’s education and human resources initiatives. First, through involvement with the ERC at North Carolina State University and more recently through the joint SRC/NSF ERC in Environmentally Benign Semiconductor Manufacturing at the University of Arizona (EEC 9528813), the collaborations have breathed new life and emphasis into SRC’s focus on education. The education thrust in the joint SRC/NSF ERC in Arizona represents the first education program to be supported as an SRC research project. Also, the joint SRC/NSF sponsored women's forum, through the ERC in Arizona, provides an innovative opportunity for women faculty, staff, students, and industrial colleagues to network, mentor each other, and compare best practices.

The concept of a “Teachers Institute,” initiated by the Environmentally Benign Semiconductor Manufacturing ERC at the University of Arizona (EEC 9528813), has been a major success and is now expanded and instituted ERC-wide. Selected science teachers from high schools spend their summer months at the Center working with the ERC researchers and participate in preparing innovative course modules in the environmental area. They and other high school teachers in K-12 curricula use these modules. This concept has received strong endorsement and support from industry.