Circuit Bending as Public Science for Semiconductor Workforce Development

National Science Foundation AISL EAGER Award | $296,239 |

August 15, 2025 - July 31, 2026

Senior Personnel: Seth Thorn (Principal Investigator), Mirka Koro (Co-PI), Margarita Pivarvorava (Co-PI), Jennifer Blain (Co-PI), Evan Tobias (Co-PI)

Glitch’n is a community-driven program that introduces teens and young adults to electronics through circuit bending and arts-based experimentation. The initiative combines a weeklong summer course with a structured learning-by-teaching pipeline, in which participants advance into paid internships as public facilitators and, in some cases, instructors. Activities include intensive hands-on instruction, peer-teaching workshops, and public pop-up events in libraries and community spaces. The program emphasizes rapid progression from novice to mentor, making technical content accessible while cultivating leadership and communication skills in diverse and neurodiverse populations.

Nearly sixty students completed the summer course in 2025, with fourteen advancing into paid facilitator internships. Two hundred community members have participated in public pop-ups, where 93% reported increased confidence in exploring circuits and half indicated greater interest in STEM careers. Course surveys show that 97% of participants improved their understanding of engineering, 76% gained confidence in using digital tools, and 90% strengthened interest in pursuing STEAM careers. Glitch’n broadens participation in computing and engineering, particularly among groups with little prior experience. The program contributes to a scalable model for informal science education that links creativity, technical training, and inclusive community engagement.