By Nancy Mayerson for California Gold Coast chapter of Public Relations Society of America

The California Gold Coast chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is offering two $500 scholarships to recognize outstanding individual college students who are committed to studying communication or public relations in the Tri-Counties area.

“We believe that academic endeavors are essential for individuals to reach their full potential.” said Nancy Mayerson, PRSA California Gold Coast Chapter scholarship committee chair. “For that reason, our chapter is encouraging students to attend a four-year institution and reach higher educational achievement.” 

The chapter raised funds for the scholarships through program meeting fees and sponsorships, and hopes to grow the scholarship fund as the chapter grows.

“We believe that the heart of a successful PR career is service to one’s community, so we’re seeking students who have both high academic achievement and a solid commitment to community service,” Mayerson said.

“So many worthy organizations rely on public relations and community outreach to fulfill their mission, and we want to see our young professionals helping to make a difference,” she said.

Applications are being accepted through April 30. Winners will be announced in July. To be eligible for the scholarships, students must:

• Be a student currently enrolled in a four-year institution of higher education accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and located in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo or Ventura county.

• Have a 3.0 GPA minimum.

• Have a declared major in public relations or communication.

• Be in good academic standing with his/her educational institution.

• Have not received a PRSA scholarship in the past.

Find more information and an application online at www.prsagoldcoast.org. Direct questions to Mayerson at nancy@mayersonmarketing.com.

PRSA is a nonprofit chartered in 1947 and the world’s largest organization of public relations professionals with more than 21,000 public relations and communications professionals across the U.S. The California Gold Coast Chapter was founded in 2014 and serves Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. For more, visit www.prsagoldcoast.org.