Thirty-five years ago, PPAI began planting seeds to help educate future generations through the Promotional Products Educational Foundation. In 2024, they’re still going strong, and some of those initial recipients are now in their mid-50s. PPEF is now welcoming a new class of recipients ready to take on higher education. Since 1989, the organization has awarded more than $3.6 million to almost 2,000 students. In 2024 alone, $321,500 went to 170 students. Each recipient is a member of the promotional product family: A few are industry employees, but the vast majority are children of those who work for distributors, suppliers, business service companies or multi-line representatives. The promo industry will be happy to welcome any of 2024’s PPEF scholars into the ranks if they choose to join the business, but PPEF’s financial aid is not intended to dictate what field or discipline the students go into. Recipients represent future leaders in all sorts of industries and careers. The 2024 PPEF scholars were mailed their scholarship checks over the summer in advance of the academic year. For four-year and one-year scholarships, PPEF’s policy is to award 60% of scholarships based on need and 40% on merit. Merit-based scholars receive $1,250, and need-based scholars receive $2,250 payments. PPEF scholarship awards are determined through a competitive application process. Each applicant must be a full-time promotional products industry employee or the dependent child of an industry employee. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet the deadline of March 15 at midnight Pacific time. Those being considered for need-based scholarships must also submit a copy of the Student Aid Report that a student receives after filing with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The online application for the 2025-2026 school year is open now and can be found at ppef.us/college-scholarships. Learn more about this year’s recipients in the following pages. Future Promoting Must Read | PPEF Since 1989, PPEF has awarded more than $3.6 million to students. Meet this year’s recipients, a collection of college-bound pupils connected to the promo industry. Compiled by Jonny Auping The PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock.com 28 • NOVEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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