On Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a commitment that extends beyond political cycles during the official launch of Foundry School, a national workforce training initiative in manufacturing spearheaded by the Trump administration.
"This must be an effort that surpasses the next two years. It has to last a generation," Rubio emphasized in remarks broadcasted by the State Department.
The Foundry School's inaugural event took place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, led by Vice President JD Vance and bringing together private sector leaders, academics, and federal government officials to discuss the White House's reindustrialization agenda.
The live-streamed event also featured appearances by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno.
Details of the Foundry School Program
Foundry School is a component of Pax Silica, the State Department's flagship multilateral initiative to ensure global supply chains in critical technologies remain secure.
The program was developed in collaboration with Stanford University, whose team crafted the advanced manufacturing curriculum. It is set to roll out over 17 sessions across eight university campuses: Stanford, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Penn State, the Universities of Cincinnati and Kansas, and Vanderbilt.
Rubio emphasized that Vance's presence at the event was not merely symbolic but indicative of ongoing support. "Multiple U.S. administrations will need to prioritize this, which is why it's crucial to see evidence of commitment at the highest levels of our government, both now and in the future," he stated.
Addressing the Workforce Gap
The program aims to tackle a projected shortage of 3.8 million skilled workers that U.S. manufacturers will require by 2033, according to State Department projections.
The event also attracted major tech and industrial corporations that made specific commitments.
Meta introduced its America's Workforce Academy, a $115 million initiative that has already graduated over 200 individuals in Ohio.
Micron operates apprenticeship programs in Virginia and Idaho, with a total investment of $250 billion in U.S. manufacturing and research.
AMD pledged $150 million for artificial intelligence education, while ASML allocated between $35 and $40 million for a training center in Phoenix that educates 1,500 people annually.
Google announced a $1 billion investment in education and a $50 million skills update program spanning 20 states.
The Broader Strategy and Global Involvement
First introduced at the Second Pax Silica Summit on June 25, 2026, the Foundry School is part of a broader strategy that includes the federal government's acquisition of 10% of Intel and the $500 billion Stargate project for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Each program session will feature founders and CEOs from advanced manufacturing companies in the United States, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and India, underscoring the multilateral nature of Pax Silica, which, as of June 2026, included 24 signatory countries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundry School and Pax Silica
What is the main goal of the Foundry School?
The Foundry School aims to prepare a skilled workforce to fill a projected gap of 3.8 million manufacturing jobs by 2033 and ensure the security of global supply chains in critical technologies.
How is the Foundry School program structured?
The program will be conducted over 17 sessions across eight university campuses, utilizing a curriculum developed in partnership with Stanford University.
Which companies are involved in the initiative?
Several major corporations are participating, including Meta, Micron, AMD, ASML, and Google, each contributing significantly through financial investments and educational programs.