The Phoenix Challenge Foundation has confirmed that flexographic printing has officially been added to the Scouts of America’s Graphic Arts Merit Badge requirements — a milestone that will introduce thousands of youth to one of the most innovative and essential printing technologies in the world.
By incorporating this process into the merit badge curriculum, Scouts across the nation will gain hands-on experience and exposure to career paths that blends creativity, evolving technology, and precision manufacturing.
“This is a proud moment for the Phoenix Challenge Foundation and the entire flexographic community,” said Bettylyn Krafft, Executive Director of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation. “Scouts will now have the chance to see firsthand how flexography touches their daily lives. What better way to learn valuable skills that can lead to rewarding careers.”
The Graphic Arts Merit Badge has long covered traditional processes such as offset, screen, and lithographic printing. Adding flexography modernizes the program, ensuring it reflects industry advancements and prepares youth for future opportunities.
With the Phoenix Challenge Foundation’s 28 year history of working with high schools and universities, in collaboration with industry partners and the Scouts of America, developed instructional materials and resources that Scouts and badge counselors will use to bring flexography to life in an engaging and accessible way.
“By introducing flexographic printing into the merit badge program, we are inspiring the next generation of innovators, technicians, and leaders in the printing and packaging industry,” added Krafft. “This is an investment in the future of our workforce and our industry’s continued growth.”
