Gravure Scholarships

There are several gravure scholarships available to Cal Poly Graphic Communication students. Gravure is a printing process used for producing large volume publications, catalogs, and retail inserts; flexible packaging and folding cartons; and specialty products like gift wrap and vinyl floor-coverings The process is known for being high-quality and competitive for high-volume applications as well as continuous image products. Much research and development is taking place in gravure to make it more competitive for short-run markets. For many, Gravure is the process of choice for high-quality printing applications.

Why Gravure Scholarships?
Gravure scholarships are offered because gravure printers have worked together (through the Gravure Education Foundation) to promote career interest in this segment of printing. Scholarship money is available to encourage GrC students to pursue this particular printing segment. If you are interested in gravure printing or working for a publisher that uses gravure, this scholarship is for you.

Where are the gravure jobs?
Jobs are available throughout the United States (and abroad) in gravure printing. A typical Cal Poly grad would enter in a lower administrative or management position for one of these companies. In California, there are five gravure printers, one trade cylinder engraving company, and a variety of publishing, advertising, and prepress companies that work with gravure printers. Additionally, there are two large gravure retail insert printers in Reno, Nevada. Many gravure printers are located in other parts of the United States, including the upper Midwest, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys and the Eastern Seaboard.

What does it take to get a Gravure Scholarship?
The following criteria is used for awarding Gravure Scholarships:
  1. An interest in gravure printing. Without that, you are ineligible to receive a schoarship, so please don't apply unless you meet this criteria. You must be interested or at least open to pursuing a career in gravure printing. Priority is given to those students who display a strong interest in gravure-related careers. If you want more information to explore your interest, please talk with Professor Kevin Cooper.
  2. A minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  3. Must be enrolled as a full-time student at Cal Poly and must be a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior at the time the scholarship is awarded.
  4. Must demonstrate leadership through club activity, associations, sports, etc.
  5. At least one of the gravure scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates financial need (as determined by your Cal Poly Scholarship/FAFSA application).
Are there different kinds of Scholarships?
Yes, Cal Poly offers two scholarships that are only available to Cal Poly students. Recipients are called "Gravure Scholars" and the award is $1500 per year. There are some "strings attached" to receiving this award (see below). There is a second type of competitive scholarship that entails an application process and is open to students from other Universities. Cal Poly students have been successful in receiving these awards too.

How do I apply to be a Cal Poly gravure scholar?
To apply to be a Cal Poly gravure scholar, you must fill out the same form used to apply for a national competitive scholarship and submit an essay as required for the competitive scholarship (hey, if you are going to that much trouble, you might as well submit your application for the national scholarship, right?). You may download this application form here. The national scholarship application is usually due at the end of May each year but to be eligible for the Cal Poly scholarship, you must submit a copy of your application and essay to the department office by the 1st of May. Transcripts are not needed for the Cal Poly scholarship.

How do I apply for the national scholarships?
You use the same form and submit it directly to the Gravure Education Foundation to arrive in their office by the end of May. To view information about the national scholarships, visit: http://www.gaa.org/GEF/scholarships.htm

What are the "Strings-attached" for the Cal Poly gravure scholars?
If selected to be a Cal Poly gravure scholar, you agree to work with Professor Kevin Cooper to promote gravure printing to other students by:
  1. Designing and producing the gravure bulletin board near the southeast corner of the department twice: once in June and again in January.
  2. Assisting with the planning and implementation of gravure day activities, including writing a summary paper for the Gravure Magazine.
  3. Attending the Gravure Annual Convention the spring of each year.
Note: you will be responsible for some costs associated with this convention — typically about $500.

OK, Any tips?
Yes, read this article written by Laura Wayland-Smith Hatch, Executive Director, Gravure Education Foundation.

Reminder
Cal Poly scholar application — Due May 1 in GrC Department office.
National scholarship application — Due end of May in Gravure Education Foundation office (must be mailed earlier).

Still need more info? Email Professor Kevin Cooper
GrC Gravure Day © 2005 Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department.