Graphic communications program receives national grants to advance student experience, industry engagement

UW-Stout's graphic communications programhas received three targeted grants from the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation(PGSF) totaling $13,000, part of a national initiative that awarded $535,000 in scholarships and educational support to students and institutions across the country for the 2025-26 academic year.

The grants will directly support UW-Stout graphic communications students and students in related majors pursuing the graphic media and print management minorthrough upgraded lab equipment, enhanced learning experiences and professional development opportunities:

• Color Management Lab Equipment: New tools will be added to the Color and Quality course, including a Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test, a light booth, monitor calibration devices and a spectrometer. These additions will strengthen students' understanding of color perception and measurement in professional environments.
• TAGA Student Chapter Funding: UW-Stout's student chapter of the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts(TAGA) will receive funding for travel to participate in the annual TAGA Technical Conferenceand Student Competition. Students on the collaborative cross-disciplinary team will compete in categories including package production, technical paper publication, technology review, publication production, journal design, T-shirt design and production, and website design. The team will compete with TAGA chapters at other universities all over the world for the coveted Kipphan Cup.
• PRINTING UnitedExpo Travel Support: Five students will receive partial scholarships to attend PRINTING United Expo, the largest printing industry event in North America. The expo offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies and networking opportunities with professionals across the graphic communications field. This opportunity will allow students to participate in Guided Show Floor and booth tours, with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge equipment, software, and applications across packaging, commercial print, apparel decoration, and wide-format graphics, as well as the opportunity to speak directly with professionals, explore career paths and learn about trends shaping the future of print. Students will also attend special events and network with other PGSF recipients and alumni.

"These grants allow us to bring industry-quality tools and equipment directly into our classrooms and labs," said Program Director Bethany Wheeler. "This type of support helps us offer opportunities for our students to build confidence, sharpen technical skills, and practice real-world applications throughout the program curriculum in addition to experiences where they connect with professionals who are shaping the future of print and graphics."

In addition to the grants awarded above, PGSF has supported numerous students in the B.S. graphic communications program and graphic media and print management minor with scholarships based on their academic activity: Red Moser, Allison Zwettler, Samuel Huss, Erika Jackett, Udit Patel and Cali Scholes were selected by the PGFS Board of Directors for the 2023-26 school years.

Graphic Communications Labs

"UW-Stout and the B.S. graphic communications program would like to express our tremendous gratitude to PGSF for their continued support. The direct impact the organization has on our students is unmatched. We could not be more thankful," Wheeler said.

UW-Stout's graphic communications programblends design, technology and business strategy to prepare students for careers in printing, packaging, publishing and related industries. The program is part of the university's Polytechnic Advantage, emphasizing applied learning and industry collaboration.

At UW-Stout, 100% of recent graphic communications graduates are employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $51,000, according to Career Services' annual First Destination Report.

About the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation

PGSF awarded scholarships to 144 students attending 68 institutions nationwide this school year. In addition to scholarships, the foundation supports students through educational grants and design contests.

"Without a doubt, the work we do changes and enriches lives," said Debbie Bohan, PGSF administrative director.

For more information on PGSF, visit pgsf.org.

Graphic communications program receives national grants to advance student experience, industry engagement

University and partners continue to illuminate opportunities through graphic communications, design programs

Total package: Students earn two firsts, third in international sustainability challenges