RESTON, VA, April 23, 2007 -- The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) is pleased to announce that it will offer nearly $25,000 in scholarships to the top graphic communications students in the country who participate in the SkillsUSA Championships, to be held June 27-28 in Kansas City, MO. GAERF will award $250 to each of the two graphic communications SkillsUSA state winners who go on to compete in the national championships. “GAERF is committed to supporting programs that prepare the workforce of the future,” said Ralph J. Nappi, GAERF President. “In this spirit, we are delighted to recognize our industry's most talented students, and encourage them to consider the many exciting career opportunities that the graphic communications industry has to offer.” The SkillsUSA Championships is an annual event designed to showcase the top career and technical education students in the nation. Each year, more than 4,800 contestants compete in 84 separate events. Its purpose is to reward students for excellence, directly involve industry in evaluating student performance and provide training relevant to employers' needs.