July 8, 2026 (Pittsburgh, PA) -- The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE) changed the organization’s annual grant program for the 2025/26 school year, two separate application periods. From the combined Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 programs, 33 instructors received grants over $130000 in grants for travel, continuing education, and equipment. The impact also included travel funds to support over 50 students’ attendance at industry-specific events, including 20 scheduled to attend Student Day at the PRINTING United Expo held in September, as well as other annual events such as TAGA and SkillsUSA held earlier this year.
“Having two programs was a strategic move to allow educators to apply for travel funds in a timelier manner,” said Dianne Bullas, The FGCE Director of Educator Resources. “The FGCE will be able to better support student attendance at events held earlier in the year, such as TAGA, SkillsUSA, Dscoop, and the Phoenix Challenge.”
Grant funds were awarded for equipment purchases, travel expenses and continuing education for instructors. Over $35,000 from the Spring 2025-26 program was awarded for equipment that included funds awarded to Red Lion Area Senior High in Red Lion, Pennsylvania towards the purchase of a new Baselayr-X-Series Exposure Unit and to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina received funds for a flatbed cutter.
“I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for helping make it possible for me to attend Esko World in New Orleans. I am so grateful to the Foundation for Graphic Communication Education for providing the grant that covered my airfare,” shared Brenna Brasil, Cal Poly student. “As a Graphic Communication student at Cal Poly, this was an amazing opportunity. I got to learn more about the packaging and print industry, see new technologies being used in the field, and connect with professionals from a variety of companies.”
Through donations and endowments, The FGCE supports career building in all industry sectors and recently funded a certificate program with The Packaging School as part of our efforts to showcase packaging as a career choice. Six students were selected to complete certificate programs, including earning a Certificate of Packaging. One student from Virginia Tech is completing a Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management to complement a bachelor’s degree focused on packaging systems and design.
The 2026-27 Fall Grant Program opens August 24, 2026. Learn more at https://www.thefgce.org/educators/grants/
About The FGCE
The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education and innovation in the printing and graphic communications industry. The Foundation invests in the future of the field by awarding scholarships to students, providing educational grants to schools, and supporting academic programs that prepare the next generation of professionals. Through partnerships with educators, industry leaders, and advocacy efforts, the Foundation champions the essential role of print and graphics in communication, creativity, and commerce while strengthening workforce development across the industry.
Media Contact
Dianne Bullas
Director Educator Resources
