With $276,750 in scholarships available, the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) is now accepting PPEF scholarship program applications for the 2020-2021 school year. PPEF is also increasing the individual amount awarded for new scholarships by $250 in response to the rising costs of college tuition. Since its launch in 1989, the program has awarded approximately $2.1 million in financial assistance to promotional products industry professionals and their children. The application period for 2020 scholarships is open through March 15.

The scholarship program, funded by PPAI and donations from the promotional products industry, enables young people and industry professionals to pursue education at the collegiate level. The Association and industry patrons have a long-standing commitment of service to the promotional products industry, and this fund supports those who demonstrate that same commitment.

“With costs associated with earning a college degree skyrocketing, the PPEF Board of Trustees is pleased to announce increases both on the individual level and for the overall scholarship total to be awarded in 2020,” says Sara Besly, PPEF executive director. “PPEF will be increasing payments on all new scholarships by $250. Merit scholarship payments will now be $1,250 and need-based scholarship payments will now be $2,250 for new scholarships awarded in 2020. In total, PPEF will award $276,750 to 161 students for the 2020-2021 school year. PPEF’s continued growth is a direct result of the generosity of the companies and individuals who make up the promotional products industry. We want to thank all of the donors for helping the next generation pursue their dreams.”

Six categories of PPEF academic scholarships are offered:

Four-year Scholarship: $9,000, awarded $2,250 annually for four years; need-based
Four-year Merit Scholarship: $5,000, awarded $1,250 annually for four years
Chairman’s Scholarship: $5,500, awarded $2,750 annually for junior and senior years
One-Year Scholarship: $2,250, need-based, nonrenewable
One-Year Merit Scholarship: $1,250, nonrenewable
Friends of PPMN Scholarship: $1,250, nonrenewable, for industry employees only

Application forms and guidelines are available at www.ppef.us. For additional information contact Sara Besly at SaraB@ppai.org. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 15, 2020. Winners of the scholarships will be announced in May.