prsa inland empire rising star scholarship

THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR 2025 HAS ENDED.

The Public Relations Society of America Inland Empire (PRSA-IE) Chapter seeks to recognize outstanding academic achievement among undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a public relations or communications career. Two scholarships ($1,000 each) will be awarded to assist local college students majoring in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field. Students who are PRSSA chapter members are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship recipients each receive $1,000 and are introduced to Inland Empire PR professionals at leading organizations who are part of the PRSA-IE network. In addition, recipients’ registration fees (student rate) for PRSA-IE professional development events will be waived for one year.

Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Full-time student at an accredited college or university who lives within, or attends school in, the counties of San Bernardino or Riverside
• Current undergraduate college student or graduate student
• Major/emphasis in public relations, communications, journalism, advertising, and/or marketing
• Hold a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA, with a 3.0 GPA in the major subject
• Have a desire to work in the public relations/communications industries

If selected for a scholarship, recipients are expected to attend the PRSA-IE Polaris Awards Gala held during the fall (October or November).

PRSA-IE Scholarship Application Instructions

Due July 15, 2025

• Complete an online application form. This includes a personal statement (not to exceed 1,000 words) explaining your interest in public relations and your career aspirations. Please note that these statements may be used for PRSA-IE publicity efforts.
• Provide a current letter of recommendation from a faculty member. (An additional letter of recommendation from an employer or internship supervisor is optional but recommended).
• Submit a current college or university transcript (Unofficial transcripts will be accepted).
• Provide a one-page résumé.
• Provide one (1) writing sample with your application. This may include a press release, school newspaper clip, blog article or PR-relevant course term paper.

If you have technical difficulties submitting through the online form, please email your application and materials directly to [email protected] with the subject line: Scholarship Application- [your name].

Selection Criteria

The PRSA-IE Scholarship Committee reviews applications and selects winners. An announcement of the committee’s selection will be made in late July/early August. Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Academic achievement in public relations and overall studies
• Demonstrated leadership
• Practical experience, e.g., internships, other work/service
• Commitment to public relations, mainly as expressed in the candidate’s statement
• Writing skills, as demonstrated through writing samples and throughout the application
• Letter(s) of recommendation

Prizes will be disbursed directly to the winners and are intended for school-related expenses, such as tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and other living expenses.

Note: Scholarship winners may be contacted to provide testimonials for marketing and promotional efforts of the PRSA-IE Scholarship Program, and this information may appear on the PRSA-IE website.