Our first event of 2022, “You Can Have Your RPIE And Eat It, Too! Maximizing PR Success Through Four Key Steps,” drew in record virtual attendance, including many students. A poignant student question closed out the event, “What is your best advice for a student who wants to get into this field and be successful in it? I know that’s a big question, but it’s the first thing on my mind!”
The question led to a lot of reflection from veteran PR pros, and I’ve loved hearing how the students have connected with our members, worked up the courage to ask for a coffee mentoring session, and applied for extra credit in their classes thanks to our program.
We know the last two years haven’t been easy for students, and their perseverance and commitment to our profession are inspiring to those of us in the trenches.
In addition to welcoming them to our events, another way we support our students is through our scholarships. This month will see the launch of our annual PPRS scholarship, so watch this page for more information if you have a student in mind.
February also marks the anniversary of the passing of our friend and colleague, Ken Robinson, APR. In his honor, we’ve established a scholarship with TFEC. It will provide opportunities to Pennsylvania undergraduate students who are civic-minded and require tuition assistance to continue their education in the communications or public relations fields. PPRS and PRSA members are currently working to fund it to the level necessary to start distributing funds to deserving students. Please click on this link to donate to this new scholarship in honor of Ken.
Finally, February will close out with our first in-person PPRS meeting in two years! If you missed our January meeting and are having a bit of FOMO, sign up today for “Chocolate-Covered Comms: PR Lessons from Opening Hershey’s Chocolatetown in a Pandemic.” I look forward to seeing you there!