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Wireless Communications Scholarships Awarded by ETA and IWCE for 2026

In an effort to increase awareness of the growing demand for certified wireless communications professionals and to encourage students along with United States Military personnel to pursue careers in the industry, ETA^® International and the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) have partnered again to offer scholarships to attend ETA‘s Education Forum, co-locating with IWCE. ETA and IWCE congratulate these winners, who were personally introduced to respected industry leaders and recruiters from government, public safety, utility, transportation, and business enterprise during this spring's conference in Las Vegas.

(Greencastle, Indiana) March 25, 2026: Veterans and students interested in wireless communications careers submitted essays to win scholarships to attend ETA’s 2026 Education Forum, co-locating with IWCE during March 16-19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Veteran Scholarship Recipient - Austin Stackpole

It is ETA’s privilege to announce the 2026 Veteran scholarship recipient, Austin Stackpole, a U.S. Army Veteran and current student in Process Technology and Energy Systems Operations. With experience in Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and Electronic Maintenance, Austin plans to transition his military technical skills into a career in Industrial Automation and the Energy Sector. Through ETA, Austin was able to obtain both the Fiber Optics Technician Certification (FOT) and the Fiber Optics Installer Certification (FOI). Austin is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Technology, focusing on instrumentation, fluid controls, and power generation.

Austin attended the 2026 Education Forum with the objective to earn the Associate Certified Electronics Technicians (CETa) certification, establishing the technical foundation needed for instrumentation and electronic controls. "My military and federal background taught me the vital importance of secure, critical communications, while my education in applied technology focuses on the energy and industrial sectors. By blending these two distinct paths with my ETA CETa training, my goal is to build a unique career supporting the critical infrastructure that keeps our industries operating and communicating seamlessly." -Austin Stackpole

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Student Scholarship Recipient - Odyn Goldberg, TTT, CSS

ETA is also proud to announce that Odyn Goldberg, a student at Clover Park Technical College, is the 2026 student scholarship recipient. Odyn is currently attending Clover Park Technical College with a focus in Network Operations System Security. Previously, Odyn earned various certifications and skills at Pierce County Skills Center including but not limited to, ETA's Customer Service Specialist (CSS) and Termination Testing Technician, PC Pro, CompTIA's Network+- and Security Pro, Ethical Hacker Pro, and SkillPoint. Odyn has also competed in SkillsUSA in the Telecommunications Cabling contest as well as participated in Fiber Optics Trainings. Odyn has earned Dual Credits in the Network Operations System Security Program which led him to where he is now.

After College, Odyn plans to be out in the field physically installing and building systems to ensure they work safely and reliably. Odyn hopes to continue his education throughout his career, taking advantage of educational opportunities. Eventually, Odyn aims to work his way into a leadership or training position where he can pass on his knowledge, skills, and experience to the next generation of wireless communications industry professionals. When asked about his experience attending Education Forum, Odyn stated, “This was a great opportunity. I enjoyed the class content and the in person teaching and hands-on portions. I am grateful to the ETA and IWCE for providing this scholarship.”

About ETA: Founded in 1978 by electronics technicians, ETA^® International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) association whose mission is to represent and support the technical professional. ETA offers over 80 accredited, vendor-neutral certification programs in a variety of technology fields such as fiber optics, communications, electronics, biomedical, smart home, and renewable energy. ETA aligns with the ISO 17024 standard, vocational and education curriculums, and businesses’ resource initiatives through certification programs, conferences, and publications. For more information, please visit www.etai.org.