Scholarship Overview

The Liz Poda Memorial Scholarship program seeks to encourage qualified public relations students to enter the workforce in Central New York and remain active in PRSA by providing financial assistance and resources. A maximum of three scholarships of $95 each will be awarded to cover the $60 PRSA National Associate-level Membership dues, as well as $35 CNY Chapter dues.

Recipients must be graduating seniors from Syracuse University, SUNY Oswego, Utica College or Le Moyne College; active PRSSA members in good standing; and reside or plan to reside in PRSA-CNY geographic territory. Scholarship recipients who do not remain in the CNY region for 1 year will be required to reimburse the Chapter for the $95 scholarship amount. The current PRSA-CNY Treasurer will work with each student and will pay for these memberships directly. Membership may be paid for online or via check mailed directly to PRSA National. The Chapter will not provide the students with a check or cash before they register for membership, but may consider (at the Chapter’s discretion) reimbursing a student for these membership dues.

Scholarships will be awarded in September. The treasurer will track and manage scholarships, including ensuring that recipients remain in Central New York for at least 1 year, or reimburse the Chapter for the $95 scholarship. The scholarship amount may be adjusted annually to reflect changes in chapter or national dues.

Selection Guidelines

A selection committee, comprised of the Chapter President, Treasurer, PRSSA Liaison(s) and at least one other Board member, will use the following guidelines to assess Liz Poda Memorial Scholarship applications and select up to three recipients per year. Scholarships are awarded in September. The guidelines, in order of priority, are:

• Current PRSSA member in good standing at qualifying college
• Resides or plans to reside in PRSA-CNY geographic territory
• Meets all guidelines of PRSA National Membership
• Demonstrates knowledge and capabilities in multiple areas of the public relations field
• Demonstrates clear commitment to PRSA values, and to CNY region
• Financial need
• Overall professionalism, citizenship and character (call references for recommendations)
• Active in local and national public relations industry (e.g. participates in PRSSA or other industry events, contributes to PRSSA or other PR programs, etc.)