Applied Materials, Inc. and Last Mile Education Fund recently received the 2025 Halo Award for Best Education Initiative presented by Engage for Good. This national recognition highlights the impactful work of the Applied Materials Momentum Fund™, a groundbreaking program dedicated to supporting degree completion and pathways from college to career for low-income women pursuing engineering careers in the semiconductor industry.

Why it Matters: To power the future and support the next generation of leaders and innovators, Applied Materials invests in education-focused organizations and programs, including those that broaden exposure to, and support for, careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Established in 2023, the Applied Materials Momentum Fund, powered by Last Mile Education Fund and Applied Materials, provides women majoring in engineering in the U.S. with timely, flexible financial support to cover unexpected expenses and helps ensure they can complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Building the Talent Pipeline: According to Deloitte^*, more than one million additional skilled workers will be needed by 2030 to meet demand in the semiconductor industry. By investing in high-potential, striving talent, the Applied Materials Momentum Fund helps grow the talent pool to support future industry growth. The program also goes beyond funding to connect awardees (Momentum Scholars) with development, mentorship and networking opportunities to strengthen their pathway from college to career.

“The Momentum Fund not only provided immediate financial relief, it gave me a community of people who are genuinely invested in my success,” said one Momentum Scholar. “Beyond the financial assistance, I have people who are in my corner helping me navigate a complex engineering career by providing mentorship. For a first-generation college graduate with no playbook, this means everything.”

By The Numbers: In fiscal 2024, the first full year of the program, the Momentum Fund supported 109 scholars across 29 U.S. states and 35 universities with more than $439,000 in funding.

^*Source: Deloitte report “The Global Semiconductor Talent Shortage”