PRSA-Detroit offers a variety of programs to prepare future practitioners for a career in public relations. Any Michigan college or university offering a public relations degree can establish a PRSSA chapter and benefit from PRSA-Detroit student programs.
Donald P. Durocher Memorial Scholarship
The Donald P. Durocher Memorial Scholarship Award is sponsored by the Scholarship Committee of the
Detroit Chapter of the PRSA. Two scholarships are made available through the chapter's Education Fund.
Established in 1992, the Education Fund supports students in their pursuit of public relations education and professional development. The scholarship was named in honor of the late Donald P. Durocher, APR, Fellow PRSA, who was an active PRSA Detroit member, past East Central District chair and National PRSA Board member. Mr. Durocher was a principal in the Detroit-based firm Durocher*Dixson*Werba.
Award Amounts: 2 for $2,000 each
Criteria: Any Undergraduate Student Majoring in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a Related Field May Apply.
Students must respond to a series of questions in essay form and be available for a possible interview by the Scholarship Committee judges.
Durocher Scholarship deadline is October 8, 2010.
Rising Star Public Relations Internship Award
Rising Star Public Relations Award Description: "The Rising Star Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional ability, professionalism and achievement in his/her internship.
Rising Star Public Relations Award deadline is October 9, 2009.
Student Conferences
These annual statewide events feature keynote addresses and breakout sessions led by local practitioners from a variety of practice areas and industry specialties. Students can also discuss career goals and seek internship placement in one-on-one meetings with seasoned Detroit Chapter members.
Shadow Day
Classroom learning is supplemented with real-life instruction as students get a first-hand look at the workings of a professional PR office, sitting-in with PRSA-Detroit professionals in their offices.
Luncheon Sponsorships
Students attend the chapter's monthly meetings at no charge through the generosity of PRSA members. The luncheon gatherings provide an opportunity for students to network with senior practitioners and hear communications experts, industry executives and local leaders speak about a variety of subjects. Afterwards, students by-lined articles about the luncheon presentations for the PRSA Bulletin newsletter.
Internships
The Detroit Chapter maintains an on-line directory of local and, occasionally, national internship opportunities offered by PRSA member.
Student Development Events
Events will be held throughout the year to help students prepare for entering the professional world. Public relations practioners will serve as special speakers to discuss topics such as improving public relations skills, resume development and obtaining internships and that first job.
Agency Tours
Students get a first-hand look into the life of a public relations professional. Public relations agencies in the Detroit area will open up their doors to discuss their clients, the types of services they offer and also provide real-world case studies and examples of successful campaigns.
