The Hoosier Chapter's PRSSA committee sponsors area universities with Public Relations Student Society of America charters. The PRSSA mission is twofold: 1) to serve student members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities and 2) to serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.

The Hoosier Chapter's PRSSA committee does that by sponsoring several events throughout the year for area PRSSA members. One of these events is the annual $1,000 Joanne Dring Memorial scholarship competition for PRSSA members. In addition, the Hoosier chapter sponsors Half Day with a Pro, a recognized program pairing students with PR professionals for a half day on-the-job experience. The day culminates at the month's PRSA luncheon, where students are recognized and the scholarships are awarded.

PRSA also encourages sponsored chapters to make speaker requests. Many PRSA professionals volunteer their time to speak at PRSSA engagements.


HOOSIER PRSA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Joanne Dring Memorial Scholarship
Since 1987 Hoosier PRSA has given an undergraduate scholarship in FOmemory of Joanne Dring, a former Hoosier PRSA Chapter president. The Joanne Dring Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to up to two deserving PRSSA students from chapters located at universities in Indiana. The scholarships are $1,000 apiece, and the applications are judged by Hoosier Chapter PRSA members.

Mel Sharpe PR Graduate Student Scholarship
Named in honor of Melvin Sharpe, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, in 2006 the chapter launched a new scholarship for PR graduate students enrolled in an accredited Indiana university or college.

Click here for 2008 scholarship applications.

HALF DAY WITH A PRO
For nearly a decade, the Hoosier Chapter has hosted its annual Half Day with a Pro program, where PR students shadow PR professionals. Recognized by PRSA National as one of the most unique outreach programs offered by a local PRSA chapter. More than 100 students from universities across the state come to Central Indiana once a year to learn first-hand what PR pros do on a daily basis.
 
Click here for 2008 registration forms*.

*If you plan to attend the monthly PRSA luncheon following your half-day experience, you will need to register for lunch separately.

For more information or to get involved, contact the PRSSA Committee at prssa@hoosierprsa.org