Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Organization background

The IEEE Solid-State Circuits Council (IEEE) was formed in 1966 and transitioned to an IEEE Society in 1998. The IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society serves members through education, communication, recognition, leadership and networking opportunities.

Electrical and computer engineering is introduced to students in high school. However, students leave without gaining an appreciation for the profession. In addition, students who do not have the means to attend post-secondary institutions are further marginalized from the field. The goal of the Council is to provide tools, resources and support to encourage students to apply for post-secondary scholarships in the field.

The organization has a long list of successful programs, including the Platform for IC Design Outreach (PICO) open-source chip design program; the SSCS Student Circuit Contest; a series of awards recognizing innovations in integrated-circuit design & related educational programs; the SSCS Distinguished Lecturer Series; the SSCS Webinar Program, and the SSCS Women in Circuits and Young Professionals Initiatives.

Project background

In 2023, the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Council is organizing a pilot competition for high school and undergraduate students in North America. Students will compete to build an Arduino-based electronics project based around a core theme. The theme is to come up with a device that plays music. Currently, there is a barrier to entry for those students who do not have the required funds to purchase the electronics starter kit needed for participation in the contest.

GKF contributions to IEEE