Scholarships
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 informed and 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.”
One finalist from each chapter that applies for the scholarship will be selected for the President’s Award and will receive an honorary certificate. These finalists will have the top-scoring applications within the essay section (Section C) of the scholarship entry. The Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship and President’s Award recipients will be invited to a special lunch with the president of Minnesota PRSA.
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
- Have attained a junior or senior level standing
- Use any scholarship funds for educational expenses
The following point breakdown is considered when scoring the applicants.
- 10 pts Resume
- 10 pts Professional Recommendation
- 40 pts Essay
- 40 pts Examples of Work
Suggested Timing
Managing and completing your scholarship application doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be a breeze if managed in sections. Try splitting the work into the phases below to make it easier on yourself and those who might offer help.
| Phase |
Activity |
| Phase 1 |
- Take a look at the scholarship elements.
- Fill out the background information section and update your resume.
- Start thinking about who your professional recommendation will be.
|
| Phase 2 |
- Develop your draft essay.
- Brainstorm pieces of work you could use for the “examples of work section.”
- Request professional recommendations from your network. Make sure to include your deadline and give them adequate time to respond.
|
| Phase 3 |
- Continue developing your essay and get feedback from others.
|
| Phase 4 |
- Review all materials for accuracy. Give everything a close spell/grammar check.
- Have someone else review.
|
| Phase 5 |
- Submit scholarship application by January 19, 2024.
|
Past Winners
2023
- Amber Frigaard, Augustana University
- Adham Mohamed, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Runner-up)
2022
- Peyton Buerman, Saint Mary's University
- Rachel Klinkner, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Runner-up)
2021
- Grace Chalmers, Saint Mary's University
- Danielle Rhodes, Saint Mary's University (Runner-up)
2020
- Grace Douglas, Augustana University
- Morgan Prokosch, Saint Mary's (Runner-up)
2019
- Leah Blom, Augustana University
- Jack Nachtigal, University of Minnesota (Runner-up)
2018
- Jack Nachtigal, University of Minnesota
- Rachel Oehlke, University of Minnesota (Runner-up)
2017
- Zach Spanton, Winona State University
- Brooke Wente, University of Minnesota
- Brooke Eshleman, University of Minnesota (Runner-up)
- Jessica Sauve, Minnesota State University Mankato (Runner-up)
- Grace Fjellanger, Augustana University (Runner-up)
2016
- Sara Erickson, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
2015
- Stephanie Mann, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
2014
- Laura Jollie, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Taryn Bitterly, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Anna Moegenburg, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
2013
- Laura Jollie, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lindsey Rogers, St. Cloud State University
- Olivia Jeske, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire