EDC’s Inclusive Growth blog series highlights and celebrates local companies helping drive economic progress toward San Diego’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals.
Launched in 2018 and informed by a partnership with the Brookings Institution, the Inclusive Growth initiative sets 2030 goals for San Diego related to increasing: 1) the supply of talent, 2) quality small business jobs, and 3) newly thriving households. The goals inform San Diego’s economic priorities and make the business case for economic inclusion.
Regional talent demand remains high
To maintain economic competitiveness, the region needs 20,000 students per year completing post-secondary education within six years of graduating high school.
Talent scarcity has become the new normal as the fastest-growing occupations in San Diego typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Compounding this challenge, student success is demographically uneven in the San Diego region. Despite making up 49% of the K-12 population in 2024, Hispanics and Latinos only account for 30% of post-secondary degree earners in San Diego.
The workforce of tomorrow is not represented in San Diego’s growing economy; employer-led talent development and retention efforts are critical to the future of San Diego’s economy. ASML is among those working toward a solution.
Read the latest Inclusive Growth Update
Meet ASML
ASML is a global innovation leader in the semiconductor industry, providing chipmakers with the hardware, software, and services needed to produce advanced microchips. Those chips power the technologies we rely on every day, from smartphones and artificial intelligence to healthcare devices and clean energy solutions. ASML’s mission is to unlock the potential of people and society by advancing technology to shape a better future. In San Diego, that means not only growing its footprint, but also investing in the talent, education, and community partnerships that help our region thrive.
Inspiring interest, building opportunity
The semiconductor industry depends on a highly skilled workforce, and demand for STEM talent continues to grow faster than supply. Like all technology companies, ASML looks to recruit and retain top engineers, software developers, technicians, and other specialized professionals to sustain and advance its R&D and advanced manufacturing operations.
At the same time, the company recognizes that some students do not have many opportunities to learn about what a STEM career could look like for them. Lack of exposure, access, and professional networks can create barriers long before students begin making career decisions.
Addressing these challenges requires a long-term strategy. Talent development starts by inspiring curiosity and confidence in students well before they reach college or even high school age. That’s why ASML focuses on expanding access to STEM education, career exploration, and mentorship opportunities early on, particularly for priority students.
With partners including schools, nonprofits, and others in industry, ASML is helping create more pathways for local students to discover STEM careers and ultimately leverage technology to contribute to solving some of society’s key challenges, in San Diego and elsewhere.
Shared responsibility and intentional actions to support local talent
At ASML, talent development is viewed as a shared responsibility. As the company’s San Diego presence has grown, employing more than 2,000 locally, ASML has intentionally expanded its Community Partnership Program to strengthen the local STEM ecosystem and help create future talent pathways.
Since launching the program in 2023, ASML has grown its local portfolio to 10 active grants valued at $8 million, supporting organizations that will reach more than 25,000 students through K-12 STEM education, college readiness, career exploration, and workforce development programs.
ASML’s education partnerships span the student journey, from early science education programs with organizations like Science Delivered and the Children’s Museum of Discovery, to STEM learning with Ocean Discovery Institute and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. ASML also supports career readiness through Project Next, which introduces students to local employers and helps them explore education and career pathways. Through visits to ASML, students can meet employees, tour the facilities, and see firsthand what a future in STEM could look like.
ASML employees also play a direct role in the Community Partnership Program through volunteering, mentoring, and matching gifts. Last year alone, ASML San Diego employees contributed more than 2,500 volunteer hours in the community.
Why an investment in EDC
ASML values EDC as a trusted convener and partner that brings together industry, education, government, and community leaders around the issues that matter most to San Diego’s future.
“Through EDC’s events, working groups, research, and leadership forums, we gain valuable insights into regional workforce trends, economic development priorities, and opportunities to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to inclusive growth.” — Karen Reinhardt, US Head of HR, ASML
The partnership helps ensure that ASML remains connected to the broader needs of the community while contributing to conversations and initiatives that strengthen San Diego’s innovation economy for the long term.
Join the movement
Progress on EDC’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals is only achievable with and through the region’s employers scaling innovative and intentional solutions. Major employers like ASML are helping to collectively pave the way toward a more inclusive regional economy. Join us:
- Endorse the goals, and be part of the change San Diego’s economy demands
- See our full Inclusive Growth Spotlight series
- Learn more about becoming an EDC investor
To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:
Bree Burris
Sr. Director, Communications & Community Engagement