Paco Colorado pays it forward for students pursuing their high-tech dreams
Story by Misty Bouse and Photos by Ric Getter.
Francisco Colorado inside PCC’s Microelectronics Lab.
From a childhood that included Intel campus family days with his mother who had professional roots there, to leading teams in cutting-edge semiconductor research, Paco Colorado’s career has come full circle. It all started with Portland Community College’s Microelectronics Technology (MT) Program at the Rock Creek Campus.
A 2016 graduate, Colorado now works in research and development as a module equipment technician at Intel’s Gordon Moore Park, formerly Ronler Acres. He will celebrate nine years at the company in September.
“As a child, I often joined my mom at Intel employee events, and I was always fascinated by the size of the campus and the stories she would share,” said Colorado. “Those early experiences planted a seed of curiosity about the tech world.”
That seed grew into a career thanks to a moment of discovery while attending PCC full-time.
During his early college studies, Colorado and his family came across the PCC’s Microelectronics Program, a technical two-year degree offering hands-on experience in semiconductor and automated manufacturing technologies.
Colorado helps smooth the transition for new Intel employees.
“I knew that this was the opportunity that could bring me closer to the tech world I had always been drawn to,” he said.
Classroom to Cleanroom
Colorado’s career started with a spark while enrolled in the “High Tech Employment Strategies” course. It is there that he impressed a hiring manager from Intel who was volunteering at a mock interview offered as part of the course. Now, almost 10 years later, working in Intel’s Lithography Research & Development Division, Colorado supports high-level problem-solving and the training of new technicians in one of the world’s most specialized industries.
“In the semiconductor industry, you’re not just troubleshooting or processing production, you’re actively furthering the possibilities of today’s technologies,” he said. “You’re often faced with challenges that don’t have a clear solution yet. That’s what makes this field so interesting.”
He also mentors new Intel hires, helping them transition smoothly and ensuring they meet the certification standards of the job.
“It’s always an honor to play a part in someone else’s success,” Colorado said.
Colorado said what sets the PCC’s microelectronics classes apart isn’t just the robust instruction and student support, it is the sense of community. Each student becomes part of a diverse group, each bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives.
“You learn from instructors and each other,” he said. “And even after graduation, you remain connected with these classmates who turn into professionals.”
That network proved vital both personally and professionally. He also credits his success to a strong support system: his mother and sister; the opportunity to meet his Intel hiring manager Rick Bloemendaal, who gave a young graduate a chance; and Hillsboro scholarship sponsor Claudia Hale, and her family and friends, who offered his first scholarship out of high school.
“I am deeply grateful,” Colorado said. “I hope I’ve made PCC’s MT Program and all those who supported me proud.”
PCC’s Microelectronics Lab has state-of-the-art equipment for students to train on.
Lessons That Stick and Giving Back
Colorado said he still draws from the technical and life lessons he gained at PCC, especially from instructors, advisors and mentors such as PCC Counselor Ruth McKenna. She encouraged him to pursue ambitious goals with the simple question, “Why wouldn’t you?”
He also credits tutelage from Niels Johnson-Laird, a fellow MT graduate and program tutor, friend and software engineer/consultant for Intel with helping him approach complex problems creatively.
“It’s a skill I still use in the workplace today,” Colorado said.
Now nearly a decade into his Intel career, Colorado is setting his sights on leadership and mentorship. His long-term goals include expanding his influence at Intel and eventually sponsoring a scholarship to support future college students, just like those who supported him: an academically talented student pursuing a career in a promising STEM field.
“I know firsthand how impactful scholarships can be,” he said. “I would be proud to give that opportunity to someone else.”
Colorado was awarded several scholarships, including the National Science Foundation S-STEM scholarship and the PCC Future Connect scholarship, which helped pave his way to college. At his graduation from Hillsboro High School, he was recognized as the student receiving the most scholarships that year.
Now, Colorado encourages students interested in high-tech careers to consider the MT program at PCC.
“PCC is an absolutely a good investment,” he said. “With the updated MT labs, the practice on real industry tools, and the mock interviews targeting cleanroom technician jobs, this program ensures graduates are prepared to enter a highly specialized industry.”
Colorado with Microelectronics Instructor Dorina Cornea-Hasegan and Niels Johnson-Laird, a fellow MT graduate and former program tutor.
Semiconductor Future
Colorado said students thinking about their next steps in high-tech, the world is shifting, but opportunity still exists for those ready to learn, adapt, and contribute. Skilled hands and sharp minds remain essential to the future of the Silicon Forest.
PCC’s program has earned a reputation for excellence, setting itself apart from similar programs by being specifically designed to meet the needs of the semiconductor industry. Through strong partnerships with leading local manufacturers like Intel, students gain practical, hands-on experience and develop skills that are in high demand.
With a job placement rate close to 100%, graduates are well-prepared for rewarding careers in the field. The program offers associate degrees in microelectronics, automated manufacturing, and solar voltaic manufacturing, as well as certificates in solar and mechatronics, providing multiple pathways for students to enter and advance in high-tech industries.
“With the right training and support, your future in this industry might be closer than you think,” he said.
Form more information about the MT Program, visit its webpage.