Meet the New "Kid" on Campus

Freescale Semiconductor Offers the Latest Technology, Innovations and Resources to College Campuses Worldwide

The use of embedded controllers is growing everywhere, every day. So is the demand for people who know how to build products with embedded controllers. To prepare for a career in today's business environment, engineering and computer science educators and students at universities around the world must keep up with the latest technologies, architectures, products and development tools.

There's a new kid on campus focused on just that-ensuring students have the latest curricula, tools, architectures and training available.

Surprisingly, it turns out the new kid on campus isn't really a kid after all. Freescale Semiconductor, formerly Motorola's Semiconductor Products sector, has been on college campuses around the world for more than half a century. In fact, even though people may not have heard of Freescale, it's one of the largest companies people touch every day. It has shipped more than 16 billion semiconductors, which can be found in everyday name brands such as Motorola cell phones, Sony electronics, Apple laptops, Whirlpool appliances, Bose Acoustic Wave radios and vehicles from Mercedes, Ford, Hyundai and General Motors.

Starting a new chapter

Freescale started a new life-chapter as a stand-alone company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola. The company's strong foundation includes a competitive technology portfolio, embedded expertise and innovative system-level solutions. Freescale is an energetic, newly independent company that develops enabling technologies for applications that will deliver value for customers and shape industry for years to come.

In addition to serving global customers in the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets, 22,000 Freescale employees help drive innovation across the company to secure its future. The semiconductor company has an IP portfolio of more than 5,200 patent families and invests nearly $1 billion (USD) in research and development (R&D) annually.

Freescale University Program

Part of Freescale's commitment to the future is visible in its continuing involvement in higher education. Freescale's University Program is dedicated to influencing academic curricula at universities worldwide and assisting computer science and engineering students in building experience with industry-leading products, architectures and training materials.

"Through our university program, we strive to equip faculty and students with state-of-the-art teaching tools, share in research and development efforts and offer technical support," said Andy Mastronardi, worldwide director of Freescale's University Program. "By partnering with universities and being present on campuses around the world, we are able to help students build experience in preparation for entering today's technical workforce."

Three main focal areas comprise the University Program:

1. Research and development

Freescale works with universities around the world conducting R&D activities geared toward preparing students for success in the business world. Freescale offers software, hardware and direction to support educators and students in their university research and development work.

Additionally, the program provides universities with the opportunity to collaborate on joint research initiatives. Freescale has a global network of semiconductor R&D laboratories that are responsible for ongoing device development and progressive research projects. Through partnerships and lab donations, Freescale brings state-of-the-art technology and equipment to students in engineering departments on campuses across the globe, making students more competitive in today's challenging job market.

2. Recruitment

Freescale offers various opportunities for students at different stages of their education to use their expertise to explore future careers.

* The Student Intern/Co-op Program is a great way for students to test their skills and explore what they want to do with their degree.

* A Freescale Rotation Program gives students a 360-degree view of the various disciplines K takes to operate a corporation, giving students tools to drive their own growth.

* Scheduled university events and programs offer students another chance to explore opportunities.

3. Education

Freescale offers universities innovative solutions in the form of Student Learning Kits, software development tools and curriculum and lab materials. In some cases, university relations team members work side-by-side with faculty members to influence curricula by providing the latest industry input to course content and offering support in the form of training and hands-on materials.

"Graduate students must have a global perspective to succeed in the increasingly competitive business world," said Mastronardi. "In addition to giving them experience with industry-leading technologies, we're working on new curriculum that integrates additional skill sets such as collaboration and communication."