Public Relations Scholarships
Work in High-Powered Business as a PR Specialist
A career in the public relations industry can be both lucrative and fulfilling. For many students wishing to enter this competitive industry - there is no choice but to study after school at one of the many excellent colleges or universities.
There are many scholarships available for students who have both financial needs and an excellent academic record. To improve your chances of receiving scholarships you will need to join some PR associations/organizations. Many of these organizations offer scholarships specifically to members.
If you want to apply for a PR scholarship - it will also be useful to work on application essays and samples. Many of these scholarships require proof of your interest and passion for public relations. A portfolio may include press releases, campaigns or brochures. A good enough portfolio can ensure you a PR scholarship.
Public Relations Society of America
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals and boasts over 28,000 members. The PRSA offers nine different scholarships which vary between $300 and $3,000. The PRSA is also affiliated with many more scholarships.
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) also offers many scholarship opportunities.
These scholarships are mostly merit based and offered to public relations students all across America. There are separate chapters for each state and each chapter also offers additional scholarships for local members. It will be worthwhile to become a member at some stage of your career anyway - why not at the very beginning?
Some of the scholarships available from the PRSA:
- Betsy Plank/PRSSA Scholarship Program: Named after a past PRSSA president - this scholarship values applicants who are dedicated and leadership in Public Relations. There are three awards of just over $1,000.
- Gary Yoshimura Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for a student who has shown leadership in the public relations field. This scholarship is valued at $2,400. In order to apply you will need a GPA of at least 3.0.
The Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations
The Foundation of WEPR has been giving public relations scholarships since 1987. In an attempt to encourage more women in PR they offer some generous scholarships for deserving female students.
The Lagrant Foundation
The Lagrant Foundation offers over $100,000 per year to deserving minority students interested in studying public relations, advertising or marketing. Applicants must be African American, Asian Pacific American, Hispanic or Native American. In order to qualify for this scholarship you will also need to write an essay detailing how you will increase the lack of minority representation in your field and describe your career goals.
If you are looking for a public relations scholarship you will be surprised at the amount of available opportunities. For minorities especially there are a host of large and small organizations who are keen to increase minority representation in public relations.
