The Kathleen Kelly Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded at the discretion of PRSA Maryland’s Executive Board to a student who demonstrates excellent academic credentials and the potential for a successful public relations career.

Purpose:

• To honor the outstanding achievements of an individual public relations student.
• To encourage all students to strive to high levels of performance and participation as they prepare for careers in public relations.
• To connect PRSSA chapters and public relations students to PRSA Maryland.

Award:

• A one-time award (amount determined by board). For 2009, the award is $1,000.
• Recognition at a PRSA sponsored event to be announced at a later date.
• A plaque commemorating the award.

Eligibility:

• College-level student with sophomore or junior status.
• Enrollment in college or university in Maryland; or a resident of Maryland attending college outside of the state.
• Concentrated study in an area of communications with the intention to pursue a career in public relations.

Selection criteria:

• Excellent academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA overall and grades of B or better in all public relations, English and/or writing courses.)
• Commitment to public relations as demonstrated by:
  • campus public relations activities
  • membership in PRSSA and/or other career-related student organizations
  • public relations work experience (paid, volunteer, internship)
• Other involvement in campus and/or community organizations
• Financial need is not considered in selecting the recipient.
  

Selection procedure:

• Call for applications, along with deadline and selection criteria will be announced by:
• letter directly to all PRSSA faculty advisors and Maryland college communications departments
• information on PRSA Maryland Web site
• Applications will be reviewed by the PRSA Maryland Education Committee
• The Education Committee will narrow the field and make a recommendation to the Executive Board of PRSA Maryland.
• The PRSA Maryland Executive Board will review committee recommendation and make a selection.
• Education Chair will notify scholarship recipient

Application procedure:

To be considered, student must submit:

• completed application, including essay (Click here for an application)
• official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended
• comprehensive student resume covering criteria areas
• two recommendations (one from a professor and one from an internship supervisor or other source - click here for form)