NPES - The resource of choice for the graphic communications industry
 
 

Student & Schools Overview

Supporting Tomorrow's Workforce

NPES is committed to advancing knowledge and education in graphic communications through its affiliation with key industry-related organizations.

Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation

The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) was founded in 1983 by Idealliance (formerly Epicomm), NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies, and the Printing Industries of America. These three national associations jointly own the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC®). GAERF was created to channel a portion of the revenues earned by GASC-managed shows into programs that promote a positive industry image and support recruitment and training of a skilled workforce.

These programs and initiatives include:

  • PrintED
  • www.graphicCOMMcentral.org
  • GAERF Student Design Competition
  • Career Awareness Day

Use the links on this page to explore the vast array of information and programs available to you. For more information, contact GAERF Managing Director, Judy Durham at phone: (703) 264-7200 or email: jdurham@npes.org.

www.graphicCOMMcentral.org

The website: www.graphicCOMMcentral.org is the industry’s education and career support portal for secondary and post-secondary students and educators.   The site features an industry Career Center that provides a FREE one-stop resource for job seekers and employers, connecting industry professionals and skilled workforce candidates. Visit www.graphicCOMMcentral.org to access an extensive network of resources and information about today’s graphic communications industry.

PrintED

PrintED is a national accreditation program, aligned with industry standards, available to secondary and post-secondary schools offering graphic communications curricula. Visit www.gaerf.org for complete information about the program as well as a listing of accredited schools.

SkillsUSA

GAERF and SkillsUSA have established a partnership to offer five online PrintED/SkillsUSA Skill Connect Assessments to provide successful completers with a student certification to validate their mastery of academic and workplace competencies. GAERF also provides scholarships to students who participate in the advertising design, graphic communications, and screen printing technology contests held at the SkillsUSA Championships, an annual event showcasing the top career and technical education students in the nations.

GAERF Student Design Competition

The annual GAERF Student Design Competition provides a platform for secondary and post-secondary students to demonstrate their creativity and design skills. The specific contest varies from year to year, with cash prizes and awards presented to the winners.

Career Awareness Day

An annual Career Awareness Day brings high school students to PRINT/GRAPH EXPO industry trade shows to view the latest technologies and to raise awareness of the many career opportunities available in the graphic communications industry.

Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation

In 2001, the NPES Board of Directors created the Regis J. Delmontagne Endowed Scholarship fund with a contribution of $300,000 to the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF). Creation of the fund honored NPES President Regis J. Delmontagne on the occasion marking his 25-year anniversary as the Association’s chief executive. The purpose of the endowed scholarship is twofold: to encourage bright young people to plan for careers in the industry and to benefit the employees and children of NPES member companies.

To be eligible for the NPES scholarships, a candidate shall be preparing for a career in graphic communications, planning to attend a school in the United States, with a major including, but not limited to, the study of print/graphic communication production, print/graphic communication management, business administration, chemistry, physics or engineering. Candidates must meet standard PGSF requirements.

Applicants should indicate their NPES connection on the application form. Additional consideration will be given to graduates of PrintED accredited programs. Applications must be postmarked by March 1st of each year for high school students and by April 1st of each year for college students. To obtain an application packet, visit the PGSF website at: www.pgsf.org. For more information, contact PGSF Administrator Ms. Bernie Eckert at phone: (412) 741-6860, or e-mail: beckert@printing.org.