Are PGSF recipients being influenced to pursue a career in print-production-oriented graphic communications programs? – The Print & Graphic Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) and Illinois State University seem to be too keen to know this fact. As they thought, they did carry out a research in two phases. A Web-based survey was conducted for data collection.

The first phase was made up of graphic communications educators at the high school, 2-year, and 4-year college levels. The second phase of the study involved reviewing all college students and receiving the PGSF scholarship award. It was the students who were being asked to rate the factors that have influenced them the most to opt for a career in graphic communications. Student responses were then evaluated on two different but interrelated scales. The results of all 60 students were then surveyed and averaged to find out the relative impact of the influence.

It’s time to crack the nut now. Hurrah! Credit goes to the High school graphic communications classes. The classes influenced the students most to choose college majors in graphic communications. Experience on Yearbook clubs and service in printing companies were also quite prominent. The result strongly suggested that the “high-touch” experiences are the primary motivational factor to encourage the students to pursue graphic communications careers. Besides the role of the graphic communications companies who hire high school and college students for summer or part-time work deserve applause. Hiring these students may not be immediately profitable, as these employees are less skilled and experienced.

At a time when the printing equipment is being eliminated in many graphic communications in high school programs across the nation the research may turn the table. This time of course is in favor of High school graphic communications classes.