Award: $2,000 scholarship, $500 stipend, admission to all PRSA Maryland Chapter events during the 2023-2024 academic year

This scholarship, established in 2023 by David Imre, awards rising juniors and seniors in the state of Maryland who are PRSSA members for their public relations experience, commitment to inclusive environments, and mentoring capabilities. This annual award includes a $2,000 scholarship, a $500 stipend for educational expenses, and admission to all PRSA Maryland Chapter events during the awardee's academic year, including the PRSA Maryland Best in Maryland Celebration.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A registered full-time undergraduate student at a four-year accredited college or university in Maryland.
• A rising junior or senior.
• A GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• Declared a major in public relations, communications, journalism, or related fields.
• Seeking a public relations or related career.
• A member of PRSSA in good standing.
• Must have some public relations experience through PRSSA Chapter work, volunteering, internship, and/or employment.

Application:

• A resume including academic honors, PRSSA Chapter work, special projects, activities, and work experience.
• A nomination letter by someone other than the nominee who has first-hand knowledge of the student’s mentoring capabilities and examples.
• Up to two additional letters of support for the nominee may be provided.
• Current academic transcript.
• Essay of 1,000 words or less in English describing applicant’s interest in public relations (or related career) and showing their current and future commitment to inclusive environments, encouraging different perspectives, empathy, and respect

Application Deadline: June 11, 2023

Eligibility:

Through the selection process, applicants will be evaluated and selected based on the following criteria. To be considered you must submit a complete application, together with all supporting documentation, by the deadline and:

1. Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university in the State of Georgia for the term for which the scholarship is awarded.

2. Pursue a course of study in the public relations or communications-related disciplines, with a demonstrated or planned career interest in the public relations and communications profession. Preference will be given to those studying a major or minor in public relations, or if your institution does not offer a public relations degree or program, then in a communications degree program (e.g., journalism or mass communications).

3. Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

4. Have achieved a minimum overall 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and not be on any form of academic probation, suspension, or reprimand.

5. Self-identify as a member of a historically disadvantaged or demographically underrepresented minority group.

Judging Criteria:

• Commitment to public relations, particularly as expressed in the candidate’s statement and/or essay/video submission.
• Writing skills as demonstrated throughout the application.
• Letter(s) of recommendation.

Application:

• A current academic transcript.
• A brief letter of recommendation from a PRSA member or an individual associated with the public relations profession (corporate, agency, government, non-profit) or higher education. Additional letters of recommendation can be provided.  Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
• A typed, double-spaced 500 word essay or 2-minute video on the following topic: What do you believe are the most effective ways communicators can reach your generation, build brand loyalty and trust? Why might this be important for organizations to consider?