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If your passion is Public Relations, communications scholarships can help you earn your degree so that you can land the best possible PR position.
While the duration of degree programs has not changed dramatically in the last decade, the monetary cost of attaining a college degree is constantly on the rise. You may be willing to dedicate 2, 4 or 8 years to studying for an undergraduate or a graduate level degree, but you need to take the time to investigate the costs and find the appropriate methods of funding.
By applying for scholarships, you can receive “free” money that never needs to be repaid. This means that the money you receive is not a loan, and you will not dig yourself into a deep pile of debt. There are many major and school specific scholarships available to communications majors that can help cover tuition, supplies costs, and more. Here are 25 current opportunities:
1. AWC Seattle Professional Chapter Scholarships
Deadline: February 1
The Association for Women in Communications, also known as the AWC, is a professional organization that helps promote the advancement of women in the discipline of communications. The Seattle Professional Chapter currently offers female students attending Washington state colleges awards for being outstanding performers in school. To be eligible, you must be attending a 4-year school as a junior or senior student and completing a communications major. The winner of the award will be selected based on academic achievement, financial need, samples of work, and community contributions.
Contact
AWC Seattle Professional Chapter Scholarships
Website: http://www.seattleawc.org/
Phone: 425-280-1968
email: studentaffairs@seattleawc.org
2. Bill Gove Scholarship
Deadline: June 1
The Billy Gove Scholarship is a $5000 award that is currently awarded to 4 different qualified applicants who are selected by the selection committee. This is a competitive opportunity for all students who are pursuing a major or a minor in the field of professional speaking. If you are majoring in speech, submit your application to the National Speakers Association by the deadline.
Contact
Billy Gove Scholarship
National Speakers of Association
1500 S. Priest Drive
Attn: Scholarship Committee
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: 480-968-2552
website: http://www.nsaspeaker.org
3. Bodie McDowell Scholarship
Deadline: March 1
The Bodie McDowell scholarship is awarded to 3 students each year in an amount that typically ranges between $1000 and $5000. This non-renewable scholarship is available to all college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are pursuing a career in outdoor communications or journalism. If you are studying for an appropriate major, and you can demonstrate academic achievement and a passion for communications with an outdoor emphasis, submit your application to the Outdoor Writers Association of America with the requested documentation by the deadline.
Contact
Bodie McDowell
Outdoor Writers Association of America
615 Oak St., Ste. 201
Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: 406-728-7434
Website: http://owaa.org/programs/scholarships-fellowships/bodie-mcdowell-scholarship/
4. Communications Disorders Alumni Association Scholarships
Deadline: Spring
The Communications Disorders Alumni Association currently sponsors a scholarship for graduate students who are studying for their Master’s degree in Communications Disorders. To qualify, you must be currently attending graduate school and be able to demonstrate excellence in the written portion of the Grand Rounds. To apply for the $500 scholarship, contact the CDAA directly.
Contact
Communications Disorders Alumni Association Scholarships
CDSAA
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8385
Phone: (818) 677-2137
email: CDSAAAlums@gmail.com
5. Dr. Alma Adams Scholarship
Deadline: April 30
The Dr. Alma Adams Scholarship is an award that is to expand the outreach and health communications in an effort to reduce tobacco use in specified populations. If you are living in and intend to work in a priority population that is targeted by tobacco companies, you may be eligible for an award of $5000 to go towards educational costs. To be considered for one of the two $5000 awards, you must attend an accredited college degree program in the United States and show a commitment to communications and community service. A project will need to be submitted showing how you will raise the awareness of the harmful impact of tobacco on specific populations.
Contact
Dr. Alma Adams Scholarship
Legacy
1724 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036
email: adamsscholarship@americanlegacy.org
6. Frank del Olmo Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1
The Frank del Olmo Memorial Scholarship is promoted by the California Chicano News Media Association. It is available to Latino students who are residents of the state of California, or who are currently attending an accredited college or university in the state of California and majoring in journalism. To be considered eligible for the award, you must be able to demonstrate financial need, community involvement, and also academic achievement. The winners will be selected based on the interview and other factors.
Contact
Frank del Olmo Memorial Scholarship
California Chicano News Media Association
CCNMA Scholarships
ASU Cronkite School of Journalism
725 Arizona Ave., Ste. 206
Santa Monica, CA 90401-1734
Phone: (424) 229-9482
e-mail: ccnmainfo@ccnma.org
7. Gary Yoshimura Scholarship
Deadline: January 27
The Public Relations Student Society of America currently offers the Gary Yoshimura Scholarship to students who are pursuing a degree in the field of public relations who who have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you are a member of the PRSSA, you can demonstrate financial need, and you can submit your application by the deadline, you may be selected to receive an annual award of $2400 to be used towards your educational expenses. Be sure to submit the application form, the letter of recommendation, your official transcripts, and your essay before the deadline.
Contact
Gary Yoshimura Scholarship
PRSSA
33 Maiden Lane, 11th Fl.
New York, NY 10038
email: prssa@prsa.org
Phone: (212) 460-1474
8. Glen Kummerow Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30
The Glen Kummerow Memorial Scholarship is a $3000 award that is rewarded annually to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who can demonstrate academic excellence while pursuing a degree in Agricultural Journalism or Communications. This non-renewable award will be given to the student who can show that they are dedicated to academic excellence, leadership and the field. To apply, submit your application to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.
Contact
Glen Kummerow Memorial Scholarship
NAFB
1100 Platte Falls Road
P.O. Box 500
Platte City, Missouri 64079
Phone: 816.431.4032
website: http://www.nafb.com/
9. Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic
Deadline: January 31
The Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic is an award and internship opportunity available to high school seniors who will be declaring a major in communications and also to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a communications-related major program. To be considered, you must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher and be able to fulfill a paid summer internship in New York City. All of the applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and winners will be selected based on their academic achievement, awards, goals, work experience, and leadership abilities. Between 15 and 20 winners will be selected each year.
Contact
Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic
355 Lexington Ave., 15th Floor
NY, NY 10017
Phone: 212.297.2133
Website: http://www.nywici.org/foundation/scholarships
10. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship
Deadline: March 1
The Julianne Malveaux Scholarship is awarded to African American women who are currently enrolled as college sophomores or juniors at an accredited school in the United States. To apply for the opportunity, you must have a 3.0 GPA or better and be majoring in economics, journalism or a related field in communications. To be considered, all applicants will need to submit a 1000 word essay in response to the topic selected by the committee. Submit all of your application materials to the following address.
Contact
Julianne Malveaux Scholarship
NANBPWC
1806 New Hampshire Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-483-4206
Email: executivedirector@nanbpwc.org
11. Just Out Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 1
The Just Out Scholarship Fund, available through the Equity Foundation, is available for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered or the child of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered members of the community who are attending college. To be considered eligible, you must be attending an accredited college and be majoring in Journalism or a related field. All applications will be reviewed by the Equity Foundation Selection Committee.
Contact
Just Out Scholarship Fund
Equity Foundation
P.O. Box 10609
Portland, OR, 97296
Phone: 503-828-3034
12. Lebanese American Heritage Club Scholarships
Deadline: April 14
The Lebanese American Heritage Club Scholarship, which is promoted by the American Arab Association, is available to American students of Arab decent who are majoring in mass communications, public relations, or a related field. To be considered, you must be enrolled in an accredited university full time, and also be able to prove that you have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher. Anyone accepted for the scholarship will receive a single award of $1000 to be used towards educational expenses.
Contact
Lebanese American Heritage Club Scholarships
4337 Maple Road
Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: 313-846-8480
Fax: 313-846-2710
Email:info@lahc.org
13. Marcia Silverman Minority Student Award
Deadline: June 13
The Marcia Silverman Minority Student Award is promoted by the Public Relations Student Society Association, and is available to students who are enrolled in a communications or related degree program that prepares graduates for a career in Public Relations. Only minority students who are enrolled as a senior in a Bachelor’s degree program will be eligible, and all applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Winners will be selected based on their academic achievement and their practical experience within the field.
Contact
Marcia Silverman Minority Student Award
PRSSA
33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Phone: (212) 460-1474
email: PRSSA@prsa.org
14. Michael Jackson Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
The official Michael Jackson Scholarship, which is administered by the United Negro College Fund, is an opportunity that is open to African American students who are pursuing a degree in communications or performing arts. Anyone who applies must have a 3.0 GPA, be eligible for Federal Financial Aide, and have a FAFSA application on file with a UNCF member school. Award amounts vary based on the winner’s financial need.
Contact
Michael Jackson Scholarship
UNCF
1805 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 1-800-331-2244
15. N. James Polney Scholarship Fund
Deadline: Varies
The N. James Polney Scholarship Fund is open to students who are attending one of the following schools: Onondaga Community College, Copenhagen Central School, or Syracuse University. Administered by the Central New York Community Foundation, the award is designed to help students studying Public Relations cover the cost of attending school.
Contact
N James Polney Scholarship
CNYCF
431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100
Syracuse, NY 13202
Tel: 315.422.9538
Email: info@cnycf.org
16. NAJA Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 1
The Native American Journalists Association offers a scholarship opportunity for Native American students who in the process of attaining a degree in journalism at a higher learning institution. Anyone who applies for the opportunity must be a member of the NAJA, and currently be in good standing with the association as a student member. The awards for the winning student will range between $500 and $2500 based on student need.
Contact
NAJA Scholarship Fund
University of Oklahoma
Gaylord College
395 W. Lindsey St.
Norman, OK, 73019-4201
Phone: (405) 325-1649
email: pamsilas@naja.com
17. New York Women in Communications Inc. Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 31
The New York Women in Communications Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to help empower women who are studying to enter the world of communications. To be considered, you must be a resident of New York and be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate student majoring in Communications. The awards typically are $2500, $5000, and $10,000, and between 15 and 20 women are selected to be honored each year. Students may be selected based on performance, achievement, background, and financial need.
Contact
NYWCIF
355 Lexington Ave. 15th Floor
NY, NY 10017
Phone: 212.297.2133
Website: http://www.nywici.org/foundation/scholarships
18. Public Relations Professionals of Long Island Scholarship Award
Deadline: March 11
Public Relations Professionals of Long Island currently offers students attending college as a junior or senior in Long Island up to two awards of $1000 annually. Students must be attending a Public Relations degree program to be considered and must be enrolled in the program on a full-time basis. You must also have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be pursuing a career with a not-for-profit organization in Long Island. Students will be selected based on their career goals and based on merit.
Contact
PRPLI
P.O. Box 158
Hicksville, NY 11802
email: sharyn@lawjaw.com
Phone: 516-773-8300
19. Ron Culp Scholarship for Mentorship
Deadline: June 13
The Ron Culp Scholarship for Mentorship is another opportunity that is administered by the Public Relations Student Society Association. The opportunity is open to students attending a 4-year public relations program who is entering their 4th year of study as a senior. To be considered for the award, you must be nominated by a college advisor of the PRSSA chapter as a student who shows potential for being a great mentor throughout your career. Recipients will receive $1000 per year.
Contact
Ron Culp Scholarship for Mentorship
PRSSA
33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10038
email: prssa@prsa.org
Phone: (212) 460-1474
20. Roy W. Howard National Reporting Competition & Seminar
Deadline: March 1
The Roy Howard National Reporting Competition is a unique opportunity that is administered by the Scripps Howard Foundation. To be considered for the award, you must be a journalism student who can submit past projects for judging. The winners who are selected for the award will travel to Japan for a 14-day trip where they will learn journalism practices in other countries. Winners will also attend a seminar that is well-known and highly sought after in the field.
Contact
Roy W. Howard National Reporting Competition
Scripps Howard Foundation
940 E. Seventh St.
Bloomington, IN 47405-7108
Phone: 1-800-888-3000 ext. 3030
email: sue.porter@scripps.com
21. School of Communication Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship (Hofstra University)
Deadline : April 30
The School of Communication Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship is a school specific award that is open to students of Hofstra University who are studying for a Communications degree. The students will be selected based on achievement and financial need, and are required to have a FAFSA on file to be considered.
Contact
HOFSTRA University
Hempstead, New York
11549-1000
Phone: (516) 463-8000
22. Scott Family Scholarship in Communication-Dean’s Scholarship College of Liberal Arts
Deadline: November 17
The Scott Family Scholarship is a school specific opportunity that is available to students who are enrolled as college freshmen entering the Communications program at Washington State University. The award is renewable for students are in good standing, and preference is given to multicultural students with a good academic record.
Contact
Scott Family Scholarship in Communication
Washington State University
Financial Aide
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
Phone: 509-335-3564
Email: admissions@wsu.edu
23. The MillerCoors National Scholarship
Deadline: May 27
The MillerCoors National Scholarship is available to Hispanic college juniors or seniors who are attending Communications, Marketing, or Business degree programs with a partnering school. To be considered for the opportunity, you must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, be a US citizen, and maintain a full-time enrollment status for the entire year. The number of awards that are given each year can vary.
Contact
The MillerCoors National Scholarship
Highpoint Towers
8415 Datapoint Drive
Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 692-1971
email: info@adelantefund.org
24. William B. Ruggles Right to Work Scholarship
Deadline: December
The William B. Ruggles Right To Work Scholarship is administered by the National Institute for Labor Relations Research. The award of $2000 will be given to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a career in Journalism and have a passion for what the Institute does. If you can demonstrate your passion for the field, and a potential to successfully complete a Journalism degree, apply.
Contact
William B. Ruggles Scholarship Selection Committee
National Institute for Labor Relations Research
5211 Port Royal Road, Suite 510
Springfield, VA 22151
Website: http://nilrr.org/contact-us/
25. Young Communicators Fellowships
Deadline: June 1
The Outdoor Journalist Foundation of America currently administers the Young Outdoor Communicators Fellowship to young writers and photographers between the age of 12 and 25 who are pursuing a career in the field of outdoor communications. The winner will be given an opportunity to attend a seminar with the nation’s most famous outdoor communicators, and up to $750 in travel expenses.
Contact
Young Communicators Fellowship
OJSA
P.O. Box 115
Badin, North Carolina 28009
email: lisa@seopa.org
Phone: 704-984-4700
You do not have to dig yourself into debt earning your degree in communications or public relations. If you know that you want to pursue a career in either of these fields, review the eligibility requirements of the opportunities above. Once you narrow down your list, you can begin submitting your applications and receive one or more communications scholarships.
