At IPC APEX EXPO 2018, which will be held February 24-March 1 in San Diego, 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. They will have the opportunity to 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.”

For more information, visit www.ipcapexexpo.org.