PIM Education Foundation Scholarships

Name: PIM Education Foundation (PIMEF) Scholarships

Award Amount: Varies by award (multiple scholarships awarded annually)

Information And Eligibility:
The PIM Education Foundation (PIMEF) Scholarships are offered through the Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) Education Foundation, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to strengthening the future workforce of the graphic communications and print industries. These scholarships are designed for motivated students who plan to pursue a two-year or four-year degree in print-related majors, technical graphics programs, or other disciplines that support careers in printing, graphic communication, media production, and related fields.

Print and graphic communications remain vital components of modern marketing, publishing, packaging, and visual media, yet many aspiring students face financial barriers to entering these technical and creative programs. PIMEF scholarships help bridge that gap by providing targeted financial support to students who demonstrate a clear interest in print industry careers — from press operation and print management to graphic design and media production.

A defining characteristic of the PIMEF scholarship initiative is its emphasis on both industry relevance and regional impact. Applicants are considered from the five-state region served by PIM: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, creating opportunities for students in the Midwest to pursue education that aligns with the workforce needs of local employers and contributes to the economic vitality of their communities.

Priority consideration is given to students who are children of PIM member employees, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to supporting families within the printing industry network, though qualified applicants outside of PIM families are also eligible. Scholars are selected by a dedicated Scholarship Review Committee that evaluates each candidate’s academic preparation, stated career goals, connection to the print and graphic communications field, and overall potential to succeed in a technical or creative post-secondary program.

PIMEF scholarship funds are intended to assist with essential education costs such as **tuition, required fees, textbooks, software, design tools, lab supplies, and other instructional materials** that are often expensive in technical majors. Recipients may also use awards to support travel to industry conferences, participation in internships, or professional development opportunities that enhance real-world readiness and career exploration.

The application window typically opens in the late fall and runs through April 1, with awards determined by the foundation’s review committee and recipients notified in mid-May. Applicants are encouraged to submit strong essays that articulate their passion for print and graphic communication, technical skills they have developed, community or student organization involvement, and how they plan to use their education to contribute to the industry’s growth.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota.
• Must be pursuing a two-year or four-year degree in graphic communications, print technology, media production, or a related field.
• Priority given to children of PIM member employees, but all eligible applicants are considered.
• Must demonstrate academic potential and career intent in a print-related profession.
• Open to graduating high school seniors and current post-secondary students.

Application Requirements:

• Completed PIMEF scholarship application.
• Official academic transcript.
• Personal statement or essay describing education goals and interest in the print/graphic communications field.
• Resume highlighting relevant work, technical experience, internships, or extracurricular involvement.
• Letters of recommendation or references.

Deadline: April

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