About Us
Our vision is to develop a pipeline of new talent entering the electronics industry.
The Electronics Foundation (previously known as the IPC Education Foundation) is a nonprofit organization committed to developing the next generation of electronics industry professionals.
Established by the Global Electronics Association, Electronics Foundation focuses on creating awareness of career opportunities in the electronics industry, connecting students with industry leaders, and supporting STEM education through hands-on experiences, scholarships, and educational resources.
By collaborating with schools, universities, and companies, the Foundation aims to build a robust talent pipeline and inspire students to pursue rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
Our Impact
Student Chapters
Thousands of students worldwide
Located at colleges and universities across the globe, IPC Student Chapters build community and connect students to careers in electronics manufacturing.
 Scholarships Awarded
Hundreds of students and educators awarded since 2019
We invest in future talent by awarding financial support to students pursuing electronics and engineering-related degrees and educators who educate these students.
Students Reached
Thousands engaged across programs
From online resources to industry tours, our programs have impacted thousands of students, providing hands-on learning, industry connections, and career preparation in electronics and engineering.
Our Sponsors
Electronics Foundation is powered by Global Electronics Association
Meet the Team
Charlene Gunter du Plessis
Senior Director of Electronics Foundation
Charlene joined the Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) in 2018 and now leads the Electronics Foundation, bringing nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and program development. She has a strong background in strategic partnerships, fundraising, marketing, and creating impactful educational initiatives. Through her work, Charlene connects with schools and universities to build a talent pipeline for the electronics industry, while overseeing student chapters, scholarships, and workforce development programs.
She holds an MPhil in Entrepreneurship and multiple degrees and certificates in writing, leadership, and business communication. Outside of work, Charlene enjoys traveling with her husband—having visited 27 U.S. states and 29 countries—as well as cooking, photography, and interior design.
Gentry Manning
Marketing Manager for Electronics Foundation
Gentry began working with the Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) in 2018 as a contractor to help build the Electronics Foundation (formerly known as IPC Education Foundation) website and officially joined full-time in 2021 as Marketing Manager. In her role, she oversees the Foundation’s website, branding, marketing strategies, and event promotion—driving engagement and visibility for programs that inspire the next generation of electronics industry professionals.
With a degree in English/Technical Communication from Utah State University and several years of freelance web management experience, Gentry brings a unique blend of creativity and technical know-how to her work. Outside the office, she’s an adventurous traveler and thrill-seeker, always looking for her next unforgettable experience with her husband and two daughters.
