Scholarship
Minnesota PRSA sponsors an annual scholarship program named after the late Dr. Willard Thompson of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism. The scholarship recognizes students who excel in the study of public relations and communications. Awards are given at the Minnesota PRSA Classics Award Ceremony. It’s a great opportunity for PRSSA members to use their skills and gain exposure to professionals.
A panel of Accredited Public Relations (APR) professionals will judge the student entries, and the award recipients will be announced at the Minnesota PRSA Classics Award Ceremony. One finalist from each chapter that applies for the scholarship will be selected for the President’s Award and will receive an honorary certificate.
The top scoring applicants (scoring a minimum of 70 out of 100 points) from affiliated universities will receive Dr. Willard Thompson's scholarship. The first-place prize is $2,000 and the second-place prize is $1,000. In addition, the top-scoring applicant will be named “Best of PRSSA.”
To qualify for the Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship and President’s Award, applicants must:
- Be in good standing with their PRSSA chapter OR attend an affiliated university
- Be entering their junior or senior year of undergrad the following academic year
The following point breakdown is considered when scoring the applicants.
- 10 pts Resume
- 10 pts Professional Recommendation
- 40 pts Scenario Response
- 40 pts Examples of Work
Applications for the 2026–27 Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship are due Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.
For questions, please email [email protected].
