Pittsburgh, Pa., October 25, 2002 — Completing its annual scholarship selection process for the 2002-2003 academic year, the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) has granted $275,000 in scholarships to a total of 202 students pursuing careers in the graphic communications industry. Through the generosity of organizations and individuals for investing in the future of our industry and educating the leaders and the decision-makers of tomorrow, PGSF was able to give an average of $1,375 to encourage the brightest and best students to join our industry. "The interest in our industry is there. PGSF received over 4,000 requests for application forms for this school year," says Lawrence C. Warter, PGSF chairman and director of new business development for Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc. in Hanover Park, Illinois. "In the end, approximately 1,600 kids applied. However due to limited funds, PGSF denied assistance to nearly 1,400 qualified and worthy students. The industry needs to rally to help these students, the cornerstones of our future, who have expressed an interest in our great industry." Of the 202 scholarship recipients, 65 percent were past recipients of a PGSF scholarship and chose to continue their field of study. Most of PGSF’s students, 132, are majoring in a graphic communications program, while 64 are enrolled in more technical printing programs. Three students hope to pass along their acquired knowledge as future technical instructors. The remaining three students will study miscellaneous programs. The recipients attend 89 different colleges and universities across the country. PGSF awarded 99 of the scholarships to women and 103 to men. Nineteen are freshmen, 42 sophomores, 53 juniors, and 83 seniors. Earlier in the year, PGSF awarded five fellowships to graduate students. Recipients were chosen by a selection committee based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and clearly defined goals for a career in the printing industry. Students who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and intend on studying in an approved graphic communications or printing management program can obtain a scholarship application through PGSF’s Web page on GAIN. For more information on scholarships or contributing to the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, please contact Bernadine Eckert, program administrator, at 200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143-2600; telephone 412-741-6860, ext. 309; fax 412-741-2311; or e-mail [email protected].