John D. Graham Scholarship
FleishmanHillard
The John D. Graham Scholarship is offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Foundation). FleishmanHillard sponsors the scholarship in honor of John D. Graham. The scholarship seeks to support exceptional students with leadership skills who are pursuing careers in public relations.
Every year, the scholarship awards three exceptional undergraduate students a total of $5,000. The first-place winner receives $3,000 while two runners-up receive $1,000 each. The application is open to journalism or public relations students joining their senior year.
Applicants are required to submit a recommendation letter from a faculty member or PRSSA Advisor. Two optional recommendation letters can be provided. An academic transcript and a resume are also required.
Scholarship Summary
The John D. Graham Scholarship is offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Foundation). FleishmanHillard sponsors the scholarship in honor of John D. Graham. The scholarship seeks to support exceptional students with leadership skills who are pursuing careers in public relations.
Every year, the scholarship awards three exceptional undergraduate students a total of $5,000. The first-place winner receives $3,000 while two runners-up receive $1,000 each. The application is open to journalism or public relations students joining their senior year.
Applicants are required to submit a recommendation letter from a faculty member or PRSSA Advisor. Two optional recommendation letters can be provided. An academic transcript and a resume are also required.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: College Junior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of John D. Graham Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
- Communications
- Journalism
- Public Relations
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Recommendation letters
John D. Graham Scholarship Timeline
March
Application Opening Date
Applications open on March 1.
May
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is on May 15.
October
Awards Announcement Date
Winners are announced in October.
How to ace the John D. Graham Scholarship
Select your recommenders carefully
Your application will need at least one recommendation letter, but you can have two additional letters. Take advantage of the two extras to help create a strong application. Select recommenders who know you well and can speak about your abilities in detail. Select them such that each can write about different aspects of your abilities such as leadership, work ethic, or academic performance.
Update your résumé
Rewrite your résumé to include any recent internships, awards, or activities you’ve been involved in. Don’t just include a list of your roles, also show the value you added to your teams. Add your soft and hard skills too.
Reflect on your commitment statement
To strongly show your commitment to public relations, you need to be very clear about why you are drawn to it, the impact you’d like to make, and the steps you have taken and plan to take to achieve your goals. Do some introspection and list them down then write it in prose. Edit it till it embodies your thoughts and falls within the 300-word limit.
Proofread your writing
Your writing should not feature any typos or grammatical errors. Thoroughly proofread your writing and seek feedback from two people. The feedback you receive will help improve your writing and also identify any errors you may have missed.
How the John D. Graham Scholarship is Judged
Applicants are judged based on academic merit, writing skills, demonstrated leadership skills, work experience, and commitment to public relations. Submissions made after the deadline will not be considered.
Why We Love the John D. Graham Scholarship
Courses related to public relations are eligible
Students enrolled in programs related to public relations can apply for the scholarship. Eligible students from universities across the country can apply. The program is determined to support students in reaching their career goals
Students who aren’t PRSSA members can apply
The scholarship is open to students who aren’t members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). It also opens recipients with a large network for academic and career growth.
No discrimination
The program is open to all citizens of Hawaii as long as they meet the scholarship requirements. It supports equality and has no discrimination against gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
5 Facts About John D. Graham Scholarship
Financial need is not required
Applicants need not demonstrate financial need.
Open to all students across the U.S.
Applicants must be enrolled in accredited institutions in the U.S.
Leadership must be demonstrated
Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills.
Practical experience must be presented
Applicants must provide their practical experience in the field.
The Graham Scholarship was launched in 2009
The John D. Graham Scholarship started back in 2009.
