TAPPI Offers Scholarships for Pulp, Paper, and Packaging Students

A number of scholarships are available from TAPPI for students pursuing education and careers in the pulp, paper, and packaging fields. The organization offers more than a dozen scholarships annually. The deadline for applying for TAPPI division scholarships is February 15, 2011. The deadline for the William L. Cullison Memorial Scholarship is May 1, 2011. Each scholarship has its own criteria.
 
“We encourage students to apply for this educational assistance,” said Larry N. Montague, president and CEO of TAPPI. “Through our foundation and the generous support of sponsor companies, we are able to provide educational funding assistance for deserving students and help meet the growing needs for quality employees in our industry.”
 
The pulp, paper, and packaging industry is facing a shortage of employees over the next four years as current employees retire. In fact, statistics show that more than 25,000 jobs will open up in the paper industry between now and 2014 as Baby Boomers retire.
 
Additionally, paper companies are seeking more than 3000 employees each year who are trained and qualified in the industry’s new technologies. Skills needed include engineers, chemists, IT professionals, and operators with education ranging from associate to graduate-level degrees.
 
“Student membership in a TAPPI campus chapter is a plus,” Montague said. “The application process is straight-forward with all the details on the TAPPI Web site.”
 
More information about TAPPI scholarships is available at www.tappi.org/scholarships.