Events & Competitions
Real Experiences. Real Connections.
The Electronics Foundation hosts a variety of hands-on, educational events throughout the year to inspire and prepare the next generation of talent in electronics manufacturing.
From STEM outreach activities and student competitions to career panels and industry expos, each event is designed to connect students with real-world experiences and industry professionals.
Explore highlights from our past events and see how we're inspiring the next generation of innovators.
STEM Events
Each year at IPC APEX EXPO, the IPC Education Foundation hosts a STEM Outreach Event to inspire high school students to explore careers in electronics manufacturing. Since 2020, these events have brought together hundreds of students for a full day of hands-on activities, industry tours, career panels, and networking with professionals.
Students participate in soldering workshops, design challenges, guided show floor tours, and interactive discussions with industry leaders. Sponsored by leading companies, these experiences provide real-world insights, practical skills, and a direct connection to the exciting opportunities available in the electronics industry.
Testimonials
Yrvin
Otay Ranch High School
“The event gave me a better understanding in the field of digital electronics and opened my eyes to other aspects of the subject.”
Aaron
Otay Ranch High School
“I learned another part in the electronics engineering profession, and I am now more knowledgeable about the industry. I know that this is a possible career path that I can go down in my future.”
Brandon
Mission Hills High School
“This event heightened my interest in the engineering industry as well as opened my eyes up to options in industrial design and how it works alongside electrical engineering.”
Career Panels
Throughout the year, the Electronics Foundation hosts career panel events to connect students directly with professionals in the electronics manufacturing industry. These panels offer valuable insights into different career paths, essential skills for success, and real-world advice from experienced engineers, technicians, and industry leaders.
Students have the opportunity to ask questions, hear personal career stories, and learn how to navigate their future in electronics. Each event is designed to inspire, inform, and empower the next generation of the workforce.
Click here to watch more videos on our YouTube channel!
Competitions & Challenges
The Electronics Foundation hosts student competitions that challenge participants to apply their technical knowledge, creativity, and teamwork skills in real-world scenarios. These events give students the opportunity to design, build, and problem-solve while gaining hands-on experience and exposure to the electronics industry. Competitions help sharpen technical abilities while also building leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills—essential for a successful career in electronics manufacturing and beyond.
One example is the global #PCBeTheChange competition, launched in collaboration with Altium’s Upverter Education and Arduino. This event invites high school and college students to design innovative solutions to environmental challenges using PCB design software and hardware. With entries from over 17 countries, students have tackled issues like air and water quality, solar energy capture, and wildlife monitoring. Winning teams earn cash prizes and gain industry recognition at major events like IPC APEX EXPO and AltiumLive.
Virtual Events &Â Webinars
The Electronics Foundation hosts webinars throughout the year to help students build valuable skills, explore career opportunities, and connect with industry experts. These sessions cover a wide range of topics—from soft skills development and resume building to technical training and industry trends—giving students practical tools to support their education and career growth.
Past webinars have featured guest speakers from leading electronics companies, offering insights into real-world career paths, advice for entering the workforce, and tips for standing out in a competitive industry. Webinars are free, accessible, and designed to inspire and equip the next generation of electronics professionals.
