BANNOCKBURN, Ill., USA, December 19, 2017 — At IPC APEX EXPO 2018, IPC will introduce a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program for high school students and has invited two San Diego-area high schools to participate: Canyon Crest Academy, a public high school with a specialized education in the arts, sciences and technology and The Preuss School, a charter high school for low-income students who aspire to become the first in their families to graduate from college.

Students participating in the STEM program while at the show will be introduced to an industry that they might not otherwise have access to, and learn about the various career options available within the electronics manufacturing industry; get a glimpse into the scope and importance of the electronics manufacturing industry; learn the basics of how circuit boards and assemblies are manufactured; take part in a panel discussions over lunch with expert industry thought leaders; and participate in a private tour of the show floor.

“IPC’s STEM program will help bridge the gap between what students learn in school and how what they learn can be applied to the real-world, particularly a career in electronics manufacturing,” said Alicia Balonek, IPC senior director of trade shows and events and co-manager of the STEM program. “We believe this program will be a benefit to the electronics industry by spreading awareness and encouraging high school students to consider electronics manufacturing as a career choice before they enter college.”

Nancy Jaster, IPC manager of design process and STEM program co-manager echoed Balonek’s sentiments, “STEM programs outside of school can help students see that the STEM philosophy is more than just a class to complete. Students will realize that what they learn now can be carried to real-world applications. We believe this program will help with the challenges many of our member companies face: how to recruit our industry’s future workers and leaders and get them excited about contributing to the electronics industry.”

“Several IPC members feel as strongly as we do about the program and have offered to serve as program sponsors,” added Balonek. “We’d like to thank ASM, Mycronic, Panasonic and Nordson for their support. Staff from these four IPC member companies will provide live demonstrations of the working equipment in their booths during the tour of the show floor and participate in panel discussions.”

For more information on the STEM program and other activities taking place at IPC APEX EXPO 2018, visit www.ipcapexexpo.org.

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