The Virginia Printing Foundation has launched a new scholarship, funded by Progress Printing in Lynchburg, Virginia.

This scholarship, the Progress through Print Education Scholarship, will benefit Virginia high schools with printing and graphic education programs. Funds may be used for teacher continuing education and/or capital expenditures for the program.

Michael Thornton, President of Progress Printing, believes that “reaching out to the good instructors and students around the state with focus and force seems to be the right thing to do.” There is no “better time than now.” Mr. Thornton believes that printers must “embrace and support their regional educational facilities robustly, monetarily, and morally.” The Progress through Print Education Scholarship will accomplish this.

Scholarships will be awarded annually, in amounts up to $2500. Applications for scholarships are due May 1st, and notification to winners will be made June 1st. The Virginia Printing Foundation, a 501 c(3) non-profit educational foundation, was established in 1984 to promote the growth and development of Virginia’s printing and graphic arts industries. The VPF created and maintains an endowment designed to fund scholarship, continuing education and industry awareness programs. The Foundation is committed to continually strengthening its support and involvement to ensure that Virginia’s printing industry is able to successfully compete as a “world class” competitor on a global basis.

In addition to the Progress through Print Education Scholarship, the VPF maintains a scholarship program for selected students wishing to pursue a career in graphic arts.

For further information, contact Ron Hottle, VPF, 800-662-6912, or Katie Gekker, kgekker@yahoo.com, 703- 216-3714