The 2011 Phoenix Challenge – flexographic competitions for high school and college students from the US and Canada – will take place in April this year. The High School Skills Competition, in its 14th year, will be held April 6-8 at the Harper National Flexographic Center at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC, USA. The College Challenge, in its fourth year, will be held April 30 in Indianapolis, in conjunction with the FFTA Annual Forum and Info*Flex event.

The high school competition sets the stage for young flexographers to compete with each other, showcasing their knowledge of flexo printing and graphic arts. They are rewarded with scholarships and prize trophies. The contest is a skills-based program which lasts three days, featuring prepress, on press and general knowledge skills tests. More than 24 two-person teams are scheduled to participate in this year’s event.

The College Challenge was developed to encourage further development of flexo professionals through educational skills and industry networking programs. It further expands student participation by including in-depth planning and development of packaged goods design while also incorporating the flexo knowledge and print skills facets of the Phoenix Challenge mission.

Since its inception, more than 700 students have successfully participated in Phoenix Challenge programs and events.

To effectively support the programs, the Phoenix Challenge Foundation (PCF) announces the availability of sponsorships for the 2011 competitions. The foundation exists solely through donations made by industry supporters, suppliers, flexo printers and converters. Businesses and organizations participating as sponsors will have access to a variety of options that in turn deliver marketing and recognition opportunities. Sponsorships include the Golf Tournament Fundraiser, High School Skills Competition, College Challenge, special programs, or general donations. Benefits include special signage at Phoenix Challenge events, the FFTA Forum and Info*Flex; company logo featured in marketing tools and on PCF website; free tabletop at the High School Skills Competition; and recognition during event programs and awards ceremonies.

More information is available at www.phoenixchallenge.org.