(Pittsburgh, PA) The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), is pleased to announce that it will be supporting the Graphic Communications Education Association (GCEA) establishing a formal alliance to help promote the furtherance of knowledge in the Graphic Communications industries.

The GCEA is an international association of educators at high school, trade school, community college and university levels, focused on all aspects of the print and graphics industry. They are dedicated to sharing theories, principles, techniques, and processes relating to graphic communications and imaging technologies and careers.

Having its roots in the early 1900’s, the GCEA provides resources for educators to stay current with technology and provides a forum to discuss issues that affect the current state of education in the Graphic Arts. The GCEA also publishes a peer reviewed journal that provides a professional communicative link for educators and industry personnel. It covers many topics, including design trends, research presentation, management focus, and reproduction technologies. Charles Weiss, Immediate Past President and instrumental in starting the dialogue with PGSF said “The GCEA is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and the partnership between GCEA and PGSF is sure to make the GCEA organization relevant for the next hundred years. By combining our resources of educators and industry representatives we will be able to connect the dots between more teachers and more industry contacts. This is going to be a win win for both organizations and I look forward to the exciting things that will begin to happen once we start working closely together for the greater good of graphic communication education.”

The PGSF will assist the GCEA with outreach to members, working to increase awareness and opportunities within the organization, focusing efforts to reach a broader audience throughout educational institutions with a goal of fostering community, and increasing membership. Technology updates to better handle communications will be implemented. PGSF will rebuild the GCEAonline.org website as well as work on increasing marketing efforts through content development and design, building a database to support email and direct mail messaging and sharing of social media content.

“We're a group of professionals in the graphic communications industry who are all about sharing knowledge and skills to help each other become better educator,” said Laura Roberts, President of GCEA and Graphic Communications Instructor at Matton High School in Illinois. “This partnership is going to benefit graphic educators, industry professionals, and students globally. It's a win-win for everyone involved!”

Jules VanSant, Vice Chair of PGSF agreed. “The ability to increase PGSF's support and elevate our community of educators into the future steps right in line with our mission. Our Board of Directors, donors, and staff are excited to offer new energy around membership engagement and growth, technology tools, a reinvigorated Visual Communications Journal and website, and more. The goal is to continue growing our support for students and instructors for years to come.”

Each year the GCEA holds a conference. In 2024, the 99th Annual GCEA Conference is taking place at Alton High School in Alton, IL., from July 22nd through July 24th. This gathering is an enriching and engaging experience, bringing together passionate educators together to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster professional growth in the dynamic field of graphics arts education. This new partnership with PGSF avails information, connections and expanded professional growth opportunities to a whole new group of educators. More information about this conference can be found on their website at https://GCEAonline.org/2024-annual-conference/.