The Foundation invests in the future of the profession by helping PRSA chapters manage their local scholarships and by awarding the following scholarships to outstanding university students studying public relations. 

Altschul Champions for PRSSA Outstanding Internship Award: For recognition of outstanding academic achievement and success in a public relations internship. Winners receive a $300 award and a formal national certificate.

Betsy Plank/PRSSA Scholarships: Scholarship Program: Presented annually in honor of past PRSA President, Betsy Plank, to members of the Public Relations Students Society of America members in their junior and senior year in college. Three awards totaling $4,250 are given to students who are selected based on their commitment and leadership in PRSSA and the public relations professions.

Gary Yoshimura Scholarship: Established in memory of Gary Yoshimura to award a $2,400 prize to a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. This $2,400 award is an essay competition open to all members of the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Lawrence G. Foster Award: Recognizes an undergraduate student who has demonstrated an understanding and commitment to achieving excellence as a future public relations professional. This $1,500 award is an essay competition open to all members for the Public Relations Student Society of America.

PRSA Diversity Multicultural Scholarship: Recognizes young men and women for outstanding academic achievement and commitment to the practice of public relations. Two scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each are awarded. This is an essay competition awarding scholarships to two minority students.

Stephen D. Pisinski Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2002 by Allison & Partners in memory of Steve Pisinski and provides a $1,500 award to a qualified public relations student chosen by the selection committee.

Dr. Frederick H. Teahan Chapter Awards: For outstanding achievement of Public Relations Students Society of America members in 10 fields, including community service, newsletter, regional activity, and development. The most prestigious and competitive is the Teahan award for Outstanding Chapter. A total of $2,800 is distributed between the 10 categories.

The John D. Graham Scholarship: A $5000 annual scholarship, funded by Fleishman-Hilliard. Please click here for more details.

Marcia Silverman Minority Student Award:  A $5000 annual scholarship given to a minority student studying communications.  The award is funded by Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide.  Eligibility for the scholarship requires outstanding academic achievement, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a commitment to enter the public relations profession. Please click here for more details.

Ron Culp Scholarship for Mentorship:  A $1,000 annual scholarship to a deserving student for recognition of outstanding academic achievement and is a junior or senior enrolled in a college or university journalism, mass communications and/or public relations undergraduate program.

Chester Burger Scholarship for Excellence: For recognition of outstanding academic achievement to graduate students in public relations.

Alaska Chapter Len McLean Scholarship
The $1,500 annual scholarship is named for one of the founders of the Alaska Chapter of PRSA, to honor his contributions to the local organization and to the advancement of the profession. It is open to residents of Alaska who attend a four-year university and are members of PRSSA. For more information, click here.

For more information on how to apply for any of the above scholarships, please contact The Public Relations Student Society of America.

The Foundation welcomes contributions to any of the above named funds. if you are interested in creating a named fund with the PRSA Foundation, please contact Wendy Gallo at (212) 460-1412.