Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1486199
24 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2022 Feature Article by Charlene Gunter du Plessis IPC INTERNATIONAL IPC has a responsibility to its current mem- bers but also in attracting and retaining new talent to the electronics manufacturing indus- try. is is no more evident than in the STEM event hosted by the IPC Education Foundation at IPC APEX EXPO. For the 2023 event, more than 500 students from nearly a dozen high schools are expected to participate in hands-on activities, touring the show floor, and learning from industry experts. e Career Panel Lun- cheon will expand across the in-person event as we broadcast and stream to schools across the United States. Putting It in Perspective e IPC STEM outreach event started in 2018 and more than doubled its size of that first year. We are very thankful for the support that we get from industry that allows us to bring this event to the San Diego Unified School Dis- trict. We have made an impact and have col- laborated with nine participating high schools over the past five years. To put some numbers in perspective, we started with about 50 stu- dents and now we have more than 500, which is also the reason behind expanding the event from one to two days. Overall, the goal of the event is to create awareness, which is part of our mission state- ment to showcase the industry, and to educate and inform the students that there are differ- ent careers to consider and various career path entry points based on their skills when enter- ing the electronics manufacturing industry. Event Details is year, the STEM event will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 25 and ursday, Jan. 26. It is an immersive experience where students have an opportunity to connect with the industry STEM Program: Evolving and Growing