Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1339822
50 PCB007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2021 IPC Student Chapters e IPC Education Foundation's Student Chapter Program focuses on providing schol- arships, offering relevant industry content, and assisting with career readiness for its student members. 2020 was another year of growth. IPCEF chartered 15 new IPC Student Chap- ters bringing the total to 38 student chapters across 19 states in the U.S., engaging 517 stu- dent members. Twenty-five chapters exist at four-year universities while 14 chapters exist at two-year community/technical colleges. To be eligible for membership, student mem- bers must be pursuing degrees in the following disciplines: electrical, electronics, mechanical, computer, technology, chemical, aerospace, and/or broad engineering. IPCEF has student members in certificate programs, two-year de- grees, four-year degrees, master's and doctor- al students. e foundation will continue to expand the reach of the program by growing the number of chapters in the United States with plans to expand internationally in 2021 and beyond. e IPC Student Chapter program provides scholarships, industry-standard ed- ucation, industry connections, and access to hands-on competitions, especially with the support of industry experts and professionals like yourself. Learn more information about the 2020 scholarship winners here. High School Student Engagement e IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) hosted its STEM Outreach event on February 6, 2020 at IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego, Cal- ifornia. Twice as many students were able to participate and the day was packed with sever- al hands-on technical activities, career explora- tion, and industry engagement. Nine local high schools attended bringing 193 students and 30 educators from: Mission Hills High School, Morse High School, North County Trade Tech High School, San Marcos High School, E3 Civic High School, Point Loma High School, Otay Ranch High School, Mount Miguel High School, and Otay Ranch High School—Girls in STEM. Each participating high school re- ceived a $1,000 award to support electronics education in their classrooms. We are truly grateful to our event sponsors who supported and participated in the day's activities. e student participation, awards, and giveaways were made possible through the generous support of Foxconn Intercon- nect Industries, I-Connect007, Nordson, Pan- asonic, TTM Technologies, and Weller Apex Tools. Because of the pandemic, the 2021 STEM Outreach Event will take place during the fall and delivered virtually, allowing more schools, students, and teachers to participate in learn- ing about the careers and skills the electronics manufacturing industry has to offer. Exciting New Opportunity By equipping students with valuable indus- try-related knowledge through specific online IPC resources and content, the foundation may be able to address some of the industry's needs: • Lack of awareness of the careers and skills needed • Shortage of qualified technical candidates due to not enough skilled younger workers entering the electronics industry • An aging workforce • Lack of job preparedness as many schools are not teaching the students the right curriculum related to industry and career readiness We will be reaching out to high schools, pref- erably vocational high schools, as well as tech- nical community colleges and universities to participate in this new program. e goal is to share relevant industry content with students that will not only create awareness but also allow them to better understand the skills needed to pursue and access viable career opportunities.