May 11, 2026
The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) and The Packaging School recently celebrated the successful completion of ICPF’s first funded cohort in the Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management (CMPM) program—an important milestone in expanding awareness of careers in the corrugated packaging industry.
In October, nine students were selected to receive ICPF’s $7,000 scholarship and completed the 12-week expert-led CMPM program. The inaugural cohort included students from the University of Northern Iowa, Carlow University, Clemson University, Rutgers University, and Wake Forest University.
As a culminating experience, students presented and pitched their packaging development plans to a review panel made up of ICPF staff, Packaging School faculty, and corrugated industry representatives. These panel sessions provided students with direct exposure to industry professionals, while reinforcing real-world expectations around packaging development, innovation, communication, and problem-solving.
For many students, the program opened the door to a career field they had not previously considered. Gabrielle Sedlar, a chemistry major at Carlow University and a member of the first CMPM cohort, reflected on the experience by saying, “Packaging is one option that stands out from the rest.”
Like many students, Sedlar entered the program from a different academic discipline and quickly realized how her background in chemistry connects directly to packaging challenges involving materials, performance, and sustainability. Her experience highlights an important reality: When students see how their skills translate into real-world packaging applications, entirely new career paths come into focus.
Through completion of the program, students gained industry-focused knowledge, hands-on experience, and a project-based portfolio designed to be immediately applicable to packaging and manufacturing career opportunities, with a dedicated emphasis on corrugated packaging.
“This first cohort demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships to connect students with meaningful career pathways,” says Caitlin Salaverria, president of ICPF. “By embedding corrugated content and direct industry engagement into an established credential, we are strengthening talent pipelines and building long-term awareness of our industry.”
Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, ICPF and The Packaging School will launch two additional CMPM cohorts in 2026.
For AICC members, initiatives such as this represent an important opportunity. Programs that introduce students to packaging—specifically corrugated—help ensure that the next generation of engineers, designers, and problem-solvers understands the value and impact of our industry. Continued engagement from companies through mentorship, internships, plant tours, and industry collaboration will help turn this early awareness into long-term careers.
To learn more and receive updates on the upcoming cohorts, visit www.packagingschool.com/icpf.
Caitlin Salaverria is president of ICPF.
