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Chester Burger Scholarship for Excellence

Public Relations Society of America

The scholarship is founded in honor of Chester Burger who is one of the pre-eminent leaders in the public relations profession, helping to shape the discipline of public relations counseling at major global corporations. The scholarship is designed to encourage graduate public relations students to pursue careers in corporate public relations, with the goal of making the public relations function more essential to the successful achievement of corporate goals consistent with the public interest, the precepts of sound business and the needs of key stakeholders.

Key Information

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age/Grade Level:
    Must be enrolled or continuing as a graduate student
  • Minimum GPA:
    3.0
  • Financial Need:
    Not Mentioned
  • College:
    Award may be used at any U.S. college or university offering a graduate program in public relations or related field
  • Major/Career:
    Must be enrolled or continuing in a graduate studies degree program in public relations, journalism or related fields

Application Details

  • Transcript:
    Not required
  • Resume/Activity List:
    Required
  • Essay:
    An essay of up to 1,000 words that cogently summarizes the applicant's views on why the corporate public relations function must be deeply engaged in C-Suite discussions and decisions affecting communication mandates that address corporate reputation, internal change management, brand and issue management, ethics, social responsibility and related areas. The essay requires minimal research in support of the applicants views, focusing primarily on the applicants strategic thinking and philosophical perspective. Chester Burger's professional career was devoted to assisting CEOs and Boards of Directors in understanding and applying professional public relations theory and practice to manage large-scale corporate issues in the public interest issues that went far beyond publicity, media relations and marketing communications. The essay should also include brief comments on other academic work you feel will contribute strongly to your success in public relations, as well as list any honors or awards that you have received and leadership experience you have gained on or off campus.
  • Recommendation Letters:
    Letter of recommendation of no more than two pages from a faculty member or PRSSA Faculty or Professional Adviser. One additional letter of recommendation of no more than two pages from an internship employer, educator or other individual who knows the applicant and can address his or her potential as a public relations counselor to management.

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