Phoenix Challenge Foundation expands scholarship

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation has announced a significant expansion of its scholarship program following a series of donations from industry leaders, establishing a permanent endowment that will increase both the number and value of scholarships awarded to students pursuing careers in flexography and package printing.

The endowment was funded by Ann and Howard B. Vreeland Jr., chairman of Anderson and Vreeland; FTA Hall of Famer Jean Jackson, formerly of Praxair Corporation; and Arleen Neustein, a family owner of Excelsior Packaging Group and the first woman inducted into the FTA Hall of Fame. The permanent structure removes reliance on annual fundraising and is designed to sustain student support for future generations.

The expanded program will increase the number of annual scholarships for students enrolled in accredited flexographic, graphic communications and package printing programs, alongside continued investment in mentorship, internship placement and professional networking.

'This expansion represents a defining moment for our foundation and for the future of our industry,' said 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.'

'The strength of our industry has always depended on developing skilled people and giving them opportunities to succeed,' added Howard B. Vreeland Jr. 'We both hope this endowment inspires others to join in building the workforce our industry will need for years to come.'