Phoenix Challenge Foundation Announces The Phoenix Challenge Alumni Group
- Published: March 18, 2026, By Trevor
The Phoenix Challenge Foundation is proud to announce the creation of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation (PCF) Alumni Group. This new initiative is designed to bring together former Phoenix Challenge student competitors, judges and educators who are now active professionals in the print and packaging industries.
The PCF Alumni Group is being launched through the leadership and collaboration of Josh Sigmon, Business Development Lead at Wink, the foundation’s newest board member. Together, they share a vision of strengthening the lifelong connection between the Phoenix Challenge competition and the industry that continues to evolve and shape the future of workforce development for flexo.
For nearly three decades, the Phoenix Challenge Foundation has introduced thousands of high school and college students to careers in printing, packaging, graphics, and visual communications. Hundreds of those students have gone on to build successful careers across the industry. The Phoenix Challenge Alumni Group is designed to reconnect these former competitors, celebrate their professional journeys, and create a vibrant network that supports both current students and fellow alumni.
The Alumni Group will serve as a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development. Members will have opportunities to engage with one another through events, industry discussions, and collaborative initiatives, while also giving back by supporting future Phoenix Challenge students through mentorship, advocacy, and volunteer involvement.
“Phoenix Challenge has always been more than a competition—it’s about opening doors,” said Josh Sigmon. “The Alumni Group creates a way for those doors to stay open, allowing past competitors to stay connected, share experiences, and help guide the next generation entering our industry.”
The Phoenix Challenge Foundation invites all former student competitors who are currently working in the print, packaging and graphics industries to join the Phoenix Challenge Alumni Group and be part of this growing community. Together, alumni can help strengthen the future of the industry while honoring the impact Phoenix Challenge has had on their own careers.
Professionals can join the group on LinkedIn - Phoenix Challenge Alumni Group
The Alumni Group will serve as a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development. Members will have opportunities to engage with one another through events, industry discussions, and collaborative initiatives, while also giving back by supporting future Phoenix Challenge students through mentorship, advocacy, and volunteer involvement.
About the Phoenix Challenge Foundation
The Phoenix Challenge Foundation is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization of industry professionals dedicated to the recruitment and development of the future workforce for flexography. Each year flexo students and teachers from throughout the U.S. and Canada are invited to the Phoenix Challenge Competitions. The High School event is a two and half-day skill-based competition with hands-on and comprehension testing in operating a flexo press, prepress, plate-making, and overall flexo knowledge. Winners are eligible for scholarships funded by the Phoenix Challenge Foundation. To date, tens of thousands in scholarships have been awarded to encourage students to pursue further education and a career in flexography. The Phoenix Challenge College Competition is a school year long event in which an industry problem is presented to the students and requires both market and manufacturing research. Students then present to a panel of industry judges which grade them in four different categories research, concept, graphics and execution. For additional information or to make donations please visit www.phoenixchallenge.org
