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98 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2023 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE T he IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) hosted its annual STEM Outreach Event over the course of two days at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 in San Diego, accommodating more than 550 students on Wednesday, Jan. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 26. This was IPCEF's largest event to date. The event created awareness of the many careers avail- able in the electronics manufacturing indus- try and helped future talent engage and con- nect with industry professionals. "For years, workforce development, training, and availability have been among the most pressing concerns for leaders in companies throughout the electronics supply chain," said Joe O'Neil, chairman of IPCEF, on how programs like the STEM Outreach Event help support the Foundation's mission to intro- duce the younger generation to the industry. "Through its efforts to provide access to crucial information and resources for career development, as well as connecting students with industry professionals and companies, IPCEF is addressing these issues head-on and working to ensure that the industry has a highly skilled and motivated workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of the industry." The days were packed with various hands-on technical activities, career exploration, and industry engagement. The students partici- pated in four tracks, each of which focused Another Successful STEM Outreach Article by Charlene Gunter du Plessis • IPC