Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543032
FEBRUARY 2026 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 63 teering in this capacity for several years. Because of this continuity, they can provide excellent feedback on the pool of applications and the caliber of submis- sions. They can identify the cream of the crop. Manning: We recognize the winners on our website and social media channels. Each scholarship winner provides us with a headshot and statement explain- ing what the scholarship means to them. The Elec- tronics Foundation awarded close to $80,000 in scholarships and awards in 2025 supporting students at the following student chapters: Auburn University, Michigan Technological University, Bing- hamton University, Purdue University, University of California, Irvine, University of Missouri, Arizona State University, Skyline College, Central Carolina Community College, University of Maryland College Park, and Oregon State University. Have you been impressed with the applications you've received? Gunter: Yes, we received record-breaking participa- tion and the highest caliber of applications ever. We also honored educators who are impacting students through the Michael Carano Teacher Excellence Award: Nick Rolston, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, and Melinda Brasuell, an Edu-REACH coach for the Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN). How do you support STEM education in high schools? Gunter: Since expanding the chapter program to high schools, we have benefits available that supplement existing curriculum, including the STEM-in-a-box activity that provides a fun class- room hands-on experience. This idea came from a STEM event we used to host at APEX EXPO that invited high school students to the show. As part of that events, students partic- ipated in a pin soldering activity. We've now taken that activity and bundled it into a classroom project for students to do their own version at their school. We partnered with DigiKey, which has supported the effort by providing 2,500 pre-orders in just two weeks. We'll be sending out an additional 2,500 kits in Q1 2026. Wow, that really shows there is a hunger for this type of learning. Gunter: Many of the current high schools involved in the Foundation came through the connections made by our Association colleagues: Cory Blaylock, direc- tor of workforce partnerships, and Vicki Hawkins, director of workforce grants and funding. They run the apprenticeship program and help secure funding to ensure successful implementation. Is the Electronics Foundation a separate 501(c)(3)? Gunter: Yes, and we cannot impact students and grow without support from the industry. We are truly grateful for the support we have received financially and through in-kind donations that has enabled our growth. There are many opportunities for industry to get involved and we look forward to more engagement with industry members in 2026. What are some highlights or milestones you are most proud of, and what's next for the Foundation? Gunter: Since 2018, the Electronics Foundation has experienced exponential growth in both reach and impact. One of the milestones we're most proud of is tripling our student chapters within two years, signif- icantly expand our engagement with students and educators, and now reaching students globally. Manning: We're also very proud of the growth of CareersInElectronics.com, which receives thousands of users globally each month. The platform plays a critical role in raising awareness to the wide range of career opportunities available in the electronics manufacturing industry and helping students explore clear, attainable career pathways. Gunter: Looking ahead, we are focused on expand- ing each of these areas: reach more students, see more student chapters created, and increase our energy and investment around career awareness and workforce development initiatives. This year, we will be working diligently to strengthen partnerships with educators and industry in support of our work. Thank you both for your time and effort. Here's to a great year ahead for students interested in a career in electronics. Gunter: Thank you, Marcy. If anyone would like to learn more about how to get involved, please contact me. SMT007