It’s Award Season! Showcasing the Value of PRSSA Membership
One of the most impactful benefits of being a PRSSA member is access to more than $100,000 in scholarships and awards distributed yearly. These opportunities extend far beyond financial support. They represent recognition, validation and momentum in a student’s public relations journey.
PRSSA offers a range of individual scholarships and Chapter-level awards that honor everything from academic excellence and leadership to campaign work and ethical practice. Whether competing in the Bateman Case Study Competition or striving for the Star Chapter Award, these recognitions are designed to uplift members and Chapters that exemplify excellence.
Meghan Hall, a senior at Loyola University New Orleans, was the 2024 recipient of the Geoffrey M. Curtis Scholarship, a $10,000 award granted to a rising junior or senior BIPOC student pursuing a public relations, journalism or communications career. Meghan shared that the intention behind her work made her stand out during the application process.
“I made a point of understanding the background and purpose of each scholarship and aligning my application accordingly. I carefully analyzed each prompt and reflected on my qualities— leadership, academic commitment or personal values—that best connected with the scholarship’s mission.”
Receiving the scholarship had a transformative impact. “Before receiving this scholarship, I was uncertain about whether I’d be able to continue my education. This scholarship allowed me to stay in school and continue my work at the Shawn M. Donnelley Center for Nonprofit Communication while also serving as a Resident Assistant and on the PRSSA Executive Board,” Meghan explained.
Her involvement with PRSSA has been a cornerstone of her professional development, from attending ICON and competing in the Bateman Competition to earning awards from her local PRSA Chapter. Meghan’s advice to students considering applying for scholarships is simple: “Do it!”
“The experiences, connections and growth that come from receiving these scholarships make every moment spent applying completely worth it,” she emphasized.
Beyond individual accolades, PRSSA also recognizes entire Chapters through the Star Chapter Award, Pacesetter Chapter Recognition and the Dr. F.H. Teahan Chapter Awards. These awards validate the hard work of student leaders, encourage innovative programming, and boost Chapters’ visibility both on campus and internationally.
PRSSA’s awards and scholarships aren’t just perks but a testament to the organization’s investment in your future and a reminder that your dedication won’t go unnoticed.
Emily Vazquez, Vice President of Member Services from 2024 to 2025, is a rising senior at California State University, Fullerton. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Chicana and Chicano Studies.
Beyond her academic and PRSSA commitments, she is deeply passionate about exploring and celebrating the rich Chicana/o culture of Southern California while actively contributing to its community. In her leisure time, she enjoys planning travel adventures, immersing herself in the excitement of March Madness or the Champions League, and attending concerts.
