Flexible Thinking: Designing Flex Circuits for Dynamic Reliability
Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
The Electronics Foundation: Empowering Students, Strengthening Industry
March 25, 2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Electronics Foundation may be one of the industry’s best-kept secrets, but its impact is anything but small. In this interview, Charlene Gunter and Gentry Manning discuss how the Foundation is building a pipeline of future electronics professionals through student chapters, scholarships, hands-on STEM programs, and global outreach. From high schools to universities, and from soldering kits to career exploration, they share how meaningful industry engagement is opening doors for students while helping manufacturers address workforce needs.
Marcy LaRont: Charlene and Gentry, it is great to speak with you both. When was the Electronics Foundation established, and what is your mission?
Charlene Gunter: Both Gentry and I are proud to have served the industry through the Electronics Foundation since it was established by the Global Electronics Association in 2019. Our focus is 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. Our mission has always been to develop a pipeline of new talent to enter the electronics workforce.
LaRont: How many student chapters have you established in the United States?
Gunter: We have more than 100 student chapters, which has grown immensely over the past year. Student chapters can be formed at high schools, community colleges, and universities. We’ve recently expanded our reach globally and have students in Canada, Spain, and Mexico, with expressed interest from Europe, New Zealand, Africa, India, and East Asia.
LaRont: How do you make connections with educational institutions and their students?
Gunter: Establishing relationships with eligible academic institutions happens in different ways. Sometimes it’s spontaneously through a student who’s eager to benefit from the chapter programs, or it could be from a professor or instructor who wants to learn about the courses and standards and how students can prepare to enter the workforce.
To continue reading this interview, which appeared in the March 2026 edition of I-Connect007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
Global Electronics Association to Testify at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Panel on Section 301 Structural Excess Capacity
05/08/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationChris Mitchell, Vice President for Global Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association, will testify before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Panel on Section 301 Structural Excess Capacity on Friday, May 8.
Kimball Electronics Reports Q3 Results With Double-Digit Sequential Medical Sales Growth
05/07/2026 | Kimball ElectronicsKimball Electronics, Inc. announced financial results for the third quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.
IMI Reports Stronger Performance and Return to Profitability in 2025
05/06/2026 | IMIIntegrated Microelectronics, Inc. (IMI) reported a significantly improved performance in 2025, reflecting the positive results of its multi year transformation focused on operational efficiency, portfolio optimization, and strengthening core capabilities.