Meet EDSF

This industry foundation is preparing the next generation of professionals for the document management and graphic communications industry.

By Brenda Kai

While attracting qualified and skilled professionals is a challenge for businesses in any industry, companies in the document management and graphic communications marketplace face an even greater hurdle. Many students, parents and high school advisors are unaware of the vast array of career opportunities that exist within the document management and graphic communications. In fact, some parents and high school advisors may even discourage it as a career path due to outdated notions about the industry, while many educational institutions with graphic communications programs struggle to attract enough students to fill their classrooms. But we can change this situation.

Working together---academia, corporations, nonprofit organizations, trade media and associations---we can increase awareness of the exciting career opportunities that exist in our industry. This is the only way to ensure that we attract future leaders who have a passion for document management and graphic communications and the skills necessary to shape the industry’s role in today’s rapidly-changing global economy.

Enter EDSF.

Founded in 1996, EDSF (also known as The Electronic Document Systems Foundation) is a tax-exempt charitable organization that supports the international growth and expansion of the document management and graphic communications industry. With the help of its many supporters and volunteers, EDSF works hard to develop and deliver programs---scholarships, research grants and recognition of leading educators and educational programs---to attract and support students and to encourage creative minds in the industry.

Scholarships
One of EDSF’s most successful programs is its scholarships. EDSF provides a variety of industry-supported, academic scholarships for eligible students worldwide. The scholarships are awarded to qualified students based on scholastic achievement, participation in school activities, community service, honors and organizational affiliations. This scholarship program makes it possible for students to receive the education necessary to pursue careers in the document management and graphic communications industry.

EDSF sponsors a number of the scholarships, as well as administers scholarships for the following companies: Axis, Inc.; Heidelberg USA; The Lewis M. Gabbe Foundation; The Hoods Memorial Fund; OutputLinks; Questex Media Group; and Xplor Canada.

Research
EDSF also sponsors research grant and mentor programs that offer students, in collaboration with professors and EDSF-appointed mentors, an opportunity to conduct research on subjects of interest within the document management and graphic communications industry. The program provides students with actual experience in the research process, along with support from a supervising professor and a professional EDSF mentor. Additionally, EDSF provides academic institutions an opportunity to partner with leading research firms to study industry trends.

Recognizing Educators, Educational Programs
Because educators play a valuable role in attracting and preparing students to make vital contributions to the industry, EDSF also recognizes leading educators and educational programs for their contribution to the industry. The EDSF Educator of the Year Awards honor academic professionals at both the college and secondary school levels, and the EDSF Excellence in Education Awards recognize innovative curriculums, academic institutions and professional training programs.

Indeed, it is through these ground-breaking initiatives that EDSF continues to empower future business leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to shape the industry for years to come. Contact EDSF to get involved and help us continue to invest in the students of today that will shape our industry in the future.

Brenda Kai is the executive director of EDSF. For more information on EDSF, call (817) 849-1145, e-mail brenda.kai@edsf.org or visit www.edsf.org.

EDSF by the Numbers:

---Since its inception, EDSF has awarded 226 scholarships to students preparing for a career in the document, print and communications industry.

---EDSF has recognized 49 educators who are teaching students about the industry in innovative ways.

---The Foundation has provided 24 research grants to study and evaluate industry trends and future developments.

---EDSF sent four students to the 2008 AIIM and ON DEMAND conferences to learn more about the industry and to network with potential future employers.