PIEF

Overview
Scholarship
Applications & How to Apply

Overview

Your search for an exciting career in graphic communications might include a scholarship to one of the great collegiate graphic communications programs in Ohio, Michigan, northern Kentucky, or across the country. The Printing Industries Education Funds, Inc. (PIEF) has provided valuable scholarships to students in Ohio and northern Kentucky since 1981. Scholarships are awarded every year to talented and deserving students like yourself.

If you're not a college student right now, or if you are a non-traditional student who is already working in the printing industry, we also have scholarships/grants to help you pursue additional training in your field.

PIEF, a foundation created by Graphic Media Alliance (formerly Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky), hopes that these scholarship opportunities will help prepare a new generation of professionals to become the leaders in the future of our industry.

The foundation houses a number of funds, all dedicated to providing educational opportunities for members of the graphics communications industry, and for students interested in a career in the graphic communications industry. Recipients must be pursuing coursework in print management, printing technology or graphic arts at an accredited educational institution.

We hope you make great use of the options and services presented in this section. As always, if you have any concerns or any question at all, don't hesitate to contact us.

Find an overview of the scholarship programs and a donation form here.

We are proud to partner with groups who work to foster educational awareness and opportunities to attract people to the printing and communications industries. Some of these groups are:

	SkillsUSA Ohio's mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of America's skilled workforce through a structured program of citizenship, leadership, employability, technical and professional skills training. GMA works specifically with the graphic communications area of the competition.
	SkillsUSA Michigan is a tax-exempt, not for profit 501(C)(3) educational association, affiliated with SkillsUSA located in Leesburg, Virginia. SkillsUSA Michigan is supported by a grant to the College Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University, from the Michigan Department of Education.
	The purpose of the coalition will be to coordinate the efforts of all organizations representing the broad scope of the graphic communications industry for creating awareness, recruitment of new people into the industry, providing a framework for apprenticeship and training programs, and the retention of the existing workforce. By combining the separate efforts, experiences and initiatives of various organizations, coordinating actions and the sharing of ideas and resources, it is expected that all will benefit. Read more at: https://www.gccoalition.org/ Read about their introductory white pages.
	"PGSF is dedicated to promoting careers in the graphic arts, and we are pleased to provide this vehicle for PrintAmerica to do the same.” said John Berthelsen, VP-Development for PGSF. “With the establishment of this group effort, they have demonstrated a great model for others to follow and provided a perpetual testament of their dedication to the industry. Read more at: https://pgsf.org/

Scholarship Programs

Your search for an exciting career in graphic communications might begin with a scholarship to one of the great collegiate graphic communications programs in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Michigan, or across the country. The Printing Industries Education Fund (PIEF) has provided valuable scholarships to students in Ohio and northern Kentucky since 1981. Scholarships are awarded every year to talented and deserving students like yourself. If you have an interest in a graphic communications career, you can find application materials on the Applications page, including a downloadable application, letter of recommendation forms, application criteria, and a personal statement addendum form.

PIEF, a foundation created by the Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky (now Graphic Media Alliance) hopes that these scholarship opportunities will help prepare a new generation of professionals to become the leaders of our industry in the future.

The foundation houses a number of funds, all dedicated to providing educational opportunities for members of the graphics communications industry, and for youth interested in a career in the graphic communications industry. Recipients must be pursuing coursework in print management, printing technology or graphic arts at an accredited educational institution.

Current PIEF funds include:

PIEF General Scholarship Funds
Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Fund (AAGAMF)
Cleveland Club of Litho and Printing House Craftsmen Endowed Scholarship
The GCIU Local 546M Scholarship Fund
Graphic Arts Council of Cleveland Scholarship Funds
Hopkins Printing Endowed Scholarship Fund
Paul Hvizda / Mark Sparks Endowed Scholarship Fund
Northeast Ohio Craftsmen's Club (NEOCC)
William L. Stickney Endowed Scholarship Fund
Grace H. Vance Memorial Scholarship
R. Reid Vance Scholarship Fund

PIEF GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

This is the PIEF flagship fund, serving students throughout Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Michigan Well over 100 students have received scholarship assistance from this fund since PIEF's beginning. An unrestricted, annual contribution fund, the PIEF General Scholarship Fund offers numbers of scholarship opportunities each year.

The PIEF General Scholarship fund includes the former Carl Zellers Scholarship, Central Ohio Scholarship, Southern Ohio Scholarship and the SkillsOhio/VICA Scholarship funds.

ANN ARBOR GRAPHIC ARTS MEMORIAL FUND

Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Fund (AAGAMF) voted in 2023 to make an endowment to PIEF, to continue their legacy as well. The total for this the endowment is $250k. One of the AAGAMF board members will join the Board of Trustees for PIEF.

The Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation (AAGAMF) is committed to providing financial support (scholarships) to students interested in a career in the printing industry. The purpose of this scholarship is for the student who wants to prepare for a career in the printing industry. This scholarship is not intended to support candidates pursuing degrees in Fine Arts or Graphic Design.

Awards are given without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.

NORTHEAST OHIO CRAFTSMEN'S CLUB (NEOCC)

Northeast Ohio Craftsman Club (NEOCC) voted in 2023 to make an endowment to PIEF, to continue the legacy through an endowment of just over $100k as the NEOCC/ACPHC* Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The NEOCC's purpose was to provide for the mutual interchange of information, networking opportunities between members and up to date methods regarding printing processes, supplies and methods of production and to further high standards of efficiency and craftsmanship in the graphic arts.

*Akron Club of Printing House Craftsmen

PAUL HVIZDA / MARK SPARKS, ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In 2020, PIEF combined the Paul Hvizda and Mark Sparks funds to create a joint Memorial Scholarship fund in the name of two of our past friends and business associates. Mark was a long-time PIEF Board Member and was great at advocating and encouraging young people to join the graphic communications industry. Mark and Paul were close friends for many years, and combining the scholarship to honor both men was an easy decision.

Mark was ALWAYS there for the Association and all of our members and enjoyed sharing his experiences with young people. Mark had served on our Board of Directors for several years, as well as serving on the Northern Region Advisory Council. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, as well as those who never had the chance to get to know him.

Paul Hvizda was an active member of the Graphic Communications Industry and of the Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky. Paul started in the industry working with his father, Vince, when he was 29 years old and worked in all phases of the operation. His dedication and hard work earned him a promotion to Vice President of Operations, and shortly thereafter he acquired an equity position in Admiral Products, Inc. Paul initially joined the association’s Northern Advisory Council (NAC) in 2006 and quickly became Chairman of the NAC. Paul was recruited to the State Board of Directors in 2007 and served four full terms up until the time he passed in July of 2017. Paul was elected Chairman of the Board in 2011 and led the association through a strong financial year and helped initiate the association’s involvement with the Ohio State Fair and “Printer’s Day at the Fair.” At its peak the Printer’s Day picnic hosted over a thousand attendees. Paul had boundless enthusiasm that brought life to both regional and state-wide events.

Paul’s goal was always to get more printers involved and to help build for the future. Like many in the industry, Paul was always concerned with attracting young employees into our dynamic field. He was a constant advocate for the association’s Printing Industries Education Funds (PIEF) program. PIEF has provided valuable scholarships to students in Ohio and Northern Kentucky since 1999. Scholarships are awarded every year to talented and deserving students.

PIEF, a foundation created by the Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky (now Graphic Media Alliance), designed these scholarship opportunities to help prepare a new generation of professionals to become the leaders of our industry in the future. The foundation houses a number of funds, all dedicated to providing educational opportunities for members of the graphics communications industry, and for students interested in a career in the graphic communications industry.

Paul and Mark helped interview and select potential scholarship recipients, and donated funds to support PIEF’s mission. They also helped a number of PIEF students find work within the industry, the industry that they loved and wanted to see succeed.

Through the creation of an endowment account in Paul’s and Mark's memory, PIEF hopes to provide an annual scholarship in their names.

GRAPHIC ARTS COUNCIL (GAC) OF CLEVELAND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

For nearly 50 years, the Graphic Arts Council (GAC) has been assisting northern Ohio area students through the GAC Scholarship Program. The program was established to further the education of our youth in preparation for tomorrow's employment opportunities in the graphic communications industry of northern Ohio. Traditionally, these scholarships have been funded by companies and people, representing all segments of our diverse industry. More than 70 percent of the students awarded scholarships will return to the northern Ohio area after graduation. GAC scholarship recipients are reviewed and selected by GAC members, based on financial need and their pursuits within the graphic communications industry.

For more information on applying for the GAC Scholarship Program, please call Tom Chubb, Old Trail Printing, at tchubb@oldtrailprinting or (614) 443-4852.

R. REID VANCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The R. Reid Vance Scholarship Fund was founded to commemorate and memorialize R. Reid Vance, accountant, association executive and consultant to the Printing Industry of Central Ohio (PICO) for nearly 55 years. During this time, he was dedicated to professional advancement in the printing industry through education, service, and leadership. He achieved a reputation far and wide as a forceful figure and leader in progressive and constructive thought for the betterment of the printing industry and its associated trades. The R. Reid Vance Scholarship Fund was made possible through the generous contribution of Grace Vance to memorialize the dedication and significant achievements of her late husband.

The scholarship has now been established as a maximum $5,000 scholarship to be awarded annually to one or more high school students planning to attend a PIEF approved graphic communications program.

Currently, approved schools are as follows:

Arkansas State University
Cal Poly
Cincinnati State Technical College
Clemson University
Ferris State University
Murray State University
Pittsburgh State (Kansas)
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Houston
University of Wisconsin-Stout
West Virginia Tech

GRACE H. VANCE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Grace H. Vance Memorial Scholarship was founded in 2008 to honor Grace H. Vance, whose foresight and generous contributions established the R. Reid Vance Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1981. She established the fund to commemorate her husband Reid who served as an association executive and consultant to the Printing Industry Association for nearly 55 years.

While Reid's dream of setting up a scholarship fund did not occur during his lifetime, Grace was able to see his goal to fruition by establishing an endowment in his name. This endowment provides $10,000 in scholarships each year. Grace's commitment to education and the printing industry will continue to foster future generations of students seeking careers in the industry through the award of three Grace H. Vance Memorial Scholarships annually.

WILLIAM L. STICKNEY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

William L. Stickney served the printing industry in Ohio for over 35 years before his retirement in 1999. During his tenure, he served as president of the Printing Industries of Central Ohio and the consolidated Printing Industries Association, Inc. serving Northern Kentucky and Ohio (PIANKO). During that time, he earned the reputation of being both a trusted and valued source of industry information and a mentor for those who worked with him.

Bill Stickney served as president for the Graphic Arts Association Executives and president of the Ohio Society of Association Executives. He also served as a member of the Government Affairs Committee, the Association Relations Council and the Board of Directors of the Printing Industries of America.

Upon his retirement, he was honored with the establishment of the William L. Stickney Endowed Scholarship Fund, created to benefit students pursing coursework in printing management, printing technology.

HOPKINS PRINTING ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Jim Hopkins started Hopkins Printing in 1974. With $3,000 in start-up capital, he began printing out of his garage. Today, Hopkins Printing is one of central Ohio's largest commercial sheetfed printing companies with 100 employees, 300 customers and $18 million in sales for 2015.

Hopkins Printing has always been a wholehearted supporter of vocational and college-level graphic communications education because it realizes the value and importance education plays in the printing industry. Financial support of education is an investment in the future. Hopkins Printing is committed to training and growing the printing industry through skilled, creative and competent workers.

In 2001, The Hopkins Family created the Hopkins Printing Endowed Scholarship Fund in order to assist the future printers of America.

CLEVELAND CLUB OF LITHO AND PRINTING HOUSE CRAFTSMEN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

In 2007, the Cleveland Club of Litho and Printing House Craftsmen closed their doors, but not before creating an endowed scholarship for Cleveland area students, seeking a degree in a printing or graphic imaging discipline. The goal of the organization is to reach out into the future and continue to create opportunities to endure that the printing and graphic imaging industry will find bright, motivated and talented new employees.

THE GCIU LOCAL 546M SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU) in northeast Ohio has created a scholarship fund, the Local 546M Health and Welfare Fund as part of the PIEF Family of Scholarship Funds. It is designed to provide scholarships to members of GCC/IBT Local 546M, their children, and grandchildren attending full-time an accredited college, with a strong desire to work in the graphic communications industry.

Applicants must be active members of GCC/IBT Local 546M or any successor organization, the son or daughter of an active or retired member of GCC/IBT Local 546M or any successor organization, or the grandson or granddaughter of an active or retired member of Local 546M or any successor organization. For eligibility information please call (216) 741-5722

Since 2001, PIEF has provided scholarships for 150 students from all over Ohio and northern Kentucky, distributing nearly $200,000 to talented and deserving students. These students have attended a number of colleges in the area including Akron University, Kent State University, Cincinnati State College, Bowling Green State University, and many others. We look forward to adding Michigan students as recipients.

Applications & How to Apply

PIEF Scholarship Applications

To Be Eligible or a PIEF Scholarship, a student must:

Be interested in a graphic communications career. Preference is given to those wishing to fulfill their career in Ohio, Michigan, or northern Kentucky following graduation;
Be an Ohio, Michigan or northern Kentucky high school senior or graduate, or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior enrolled in a two-or four-year college with an accredited graphic communications program, or be a professional working in an Ohio, Michigan, or northern Kentucky company in the graphic communications industry, seeking to increase their industry knowledge;
Be a legal resident of Ohio, Michigan or the counties of Boone, Campbell or Kenton in northern Kentucky;
Have a minimum of 2.5 GPA or GED equivalent.

If you are already employed as a worker in the printing industry. We have scholarships/grants to let you pursue additional training in your field. Check out our Continuing Education application for more details.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR HAS BEEN EXTENDED TP APRIL 30, 2025

How to Apply for a PIEF Scholarship

Applications for PIEF scholarships can be downloaded from the links below. Please complete ALL forms and mail to:

Printing Industries Education Fund
P.O. Box 819
Westerville, OH 43086-0819

Scholarship Criteria

Please review the Scholarship Criteria before continuing.

PIEF Scholarship Application

Please fill out form completely and make sure to include your GPA statement from your school. In addition, include your scores on either the SAT or ACT or both. If you have not yet taken one of these tests, please indicate when you plan on taking them. It is also important to follow up with those who you have asked to send a letter of recommendation. Finally, do not forget to include your personal statement.

Graphic Media Alliance