Did you know that there are several programs, grants, and scholarships that you can apply for? If not, take a look at the following to see if any appeal to you and what you’re currently working on. We currently have 10 programs, grants and or scholarships open to all CPRS Vancouver members. We encourage you to apply, or nominate someone. Be sure to check out all the details and requirements on the CPRS Foundation website.
In September 2020, CPRS founded the Indigenous PR Student Scholarship. This opportunity is open to anyone who identifies as Indigenous, which includes but is not limited to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. The students eligible for the current scholarship must be working towards a diploma or Degree in Social Media, Communications, and Public Relations (PR).
Across Canada, there are several foundations giving scholarships, prizes, and donations in the interest of Communications, ranging from $300 up to $1,500. You might consider applying to these or one day making a donation as part of your legacy.
Greater Victoria Public Library Grant awards $300-$400 through a gift by the CPRS Van Ko couver Island Chapter, which is a grant given annually to the library where you can purchase any public relations materials. This opportunity is open to any British Columbia resident with a GVPL library card or a BC OneCard, who can access the collection, which includes but not limited to any e-books.
The Denis Racine Bursary was established by the CPRS Vancouver Island Chapter to honour the late Denis Racine who was well known nationally and regionally. Denis was the president of CPRS (Vancouver Island) and CPRS National, we thank Denis for the ongoing commitment to CPRS. Please be aware that this award will be granted to a student member of the CPRS Vancouver Island region, who is studying in a post-secondary public relations program and has completed three or more courses.
The Calgary Legacy Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is studying in the following field of public relations and or communications in a recognized program at Mount Royal University, University of Calgary, or SAIT Polytechnic.
The Susan Frances Prize in Public Relations was established by a family in Calgary in collaboration with the CPRS Calgary Chapter. This award honours a fourth-year student annually at the following institutions: Mount Saint Vincent University, SAIT Polytechnic, or the University of Calgary. Please be aware that this is for anyone who has submitted any public relations project that will contribute and continue to make the world a better place. If this applies to someone you know in Calgary, this would be a great time to reach out to your network and encourage students to apply!
The David Milliken Media Communications Award was established by the CNW Group. The CNW Group (CISION) strives to honour the late David Milliken upon his retirement after more than 30 years of service. This award recognizes David’s ongoing commitment to the important relationship between journalism and public relations. It’s awarded to a student in their final year of study in the bachelor of public relations program at the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, who has demonstrated the understanding in the course and project work that they have been studying.
Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communications, $1,250 which was established more than a decade ago. This is awarded to a PR/communications student in their final year of study at Brock University in St. Catharines, ON, recognizing their academic excellence, community involvement, and participation in charitable activities. If you know a student in their final year of study at Brock University, this is a great scholarship for a deserving student.
Lastly, the Torchia Scholarship $1,500 is a scholarship that is awarded to the student who has aligned interests with the spirit and practice of bilingualism in the Canadian PR/communications profession. To further this, the student will be someone studying in one of Canada’s two official languages is not their first language.
This is our current list of available programs, scholarships, and awards available for students, current members, and Indigenous students who may be looking for additional funds to support them on their educational or professional development goals. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Lindsay Sherk, Executive Director of the CPRS Foundation, by email at [email protected]. You can also see the positive impact these funds are having on our friends in Communications and Public Relations on the CPRS Foundation website and consider making a donation if you’d like to contribute!
About the Author
I am a member of Tsleil-Waututh Nation (səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ). We have approximately 600 members and are located along the Burrard Inlet. I received my Bachelors of Communication Studies in 2017 from Capilano University. I believe in empowering youth by providing them with a voice and providing proactive communications. I have 14 years experience working with Indigenous organizations in various departments and programs. I am passionate about Social Media, Marketing, Event Management, and Strategic Development. I have worked in both the government and non-profit sectors, and I am excited about my new role as Communications Officer for a small Indigenous community.