Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1367446
58 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2021 Article by Charlene Gunter du Plessis IPC e mission of the IPC Education Foun- dation (IPCEF) is to create awareness of the careers the electronics manufacturing indus- try has to offer students in high school and col- lege by providing them with opportunities to access people, courses, and knowledge. Awareness and access are the key focus areas for 2021 and the programs, activities, and efforts driven by IPCEF will put students and teachers at the forefront. We have identified the following pillars under each focus area: • Awareness will include virtual learning opportunities around industry-relevant topics for high school students, available this fall. ese activities will be supported by downloadable learning activities with detailed descriptions for classroom implementation, a bill of materials list for hands-on exercises, and free industry- relevant videos. Pre-recorded career panel discussions on career exploration and information about the industry will also be provided. • Access to the industry focuses on two main pillars: e IPC Student Chapter Program and IPC Mini Libraries, the new addition to the Foundation. 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. IPCEF has 40 student chapters across 19 states in the United States, engaging more than 500 student members. Twenty-six chapters exist at four-year universities while 15 chapters exist at two-year community/technical colleges. e main goal of the IPC Student Chapter program is to connect students with the indus- try through a variety of engagement initiatives that include facility tours, speaking opportuni- ties, and information sessions. To learn more about how to get involved from an employer perspective, please complete the three-ques- tion survey. Creating Industry Awareness and Access Points for Students