Phoenix Challenge expands scholarship program

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation has announced the expansion of its scholarship program, made possible through a series of gifts from leaders across the flexographic and label and package printing industry. The contributions have established a permanent, self-sustaining endowment that the Foundation says will significantly increase both the number and value of scholarships awarded to students pursuing careers in flexography and package printing.

For nearly three decades, the Phoenix Challenge Foundation has worked to strengthen the industry’s workforce pipeline by connecting students with hands-on education, mentorship, and financial support. The growth through generous commitment to the endowment marks a milestone for the organization, creating a lasting source of scholarship funding that will benefit future generations – rather than relying solely on annual fundraising efforts.

“This expansion represents a defining moment for our foundation and for the future of our industry,” says Bettylyn Krafft, executive director of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation. “Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our industry’s leaders, we can now reach more students, provide more scholarships, and offer the long-term support needed to help the next generation build successful careers in flexography and package printing.”

The endowment was made possible through the generosity of industry pioneers and champions of workforce development, including Ann and Howard B. Vreeland Jr., chairman of Anderson & Vreeland Inc. and a longtime advocate for flexographic education and innovation; FTA Hall of Famer Jean Jackson, formerly of Praxair Corporation; and Arleen Neustein, one of the family owners of Excelsior Packaging Group and the first woman inductee of the FTA Hall of Fame. Their leadership and philanthropy, the Foundation says, reflect a shared commitment to ensuring a strong future for the flexographic and package printing industry by investing in its next generation of professionals.

Howard B. Vreeland Jr. comments, “The strength of our industry has always depended on developing skilled people and giving them opportunities to succeed. Supporting the Phoenix Challenge Foundation is an investment in the future that my wife, Ann, and I are deeply passionate about. We both hope this endowment inspires others to join in building the workforce our industry will need for years to come.”

Arleen Neustein echoes that commitment. She says, “Education has always been one of the most important investments we can make. I am honored to support the Phoenix Challenge Foundation’s scholarship endowment and help open doors for students who will become the innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers of tomorrow’s printing and packaging industry.”

“Investing in students today means investing in the future of our entire industry,” remarks Jean Jackson. “I am proud to support the Phoenix Challenge Foundation’s mission and to help ensure that talented, motivated students have a clear path into rewarding careers in package printing.”

Students interested in applying for a Phoenix Challenge Foundation scholarship, as well as companies and individuals interested in supporting the endowment, are encouraged to visit phoenixchallenge.org or contact Bettylyn Krafft, executive director of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation.