Student Services & Scholarships

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. The scholarship(s) are intended to foster undergraduates pursuing a career in public relations or a related field. Two scholarships are made available through the chapter’s Education Fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM). According to our agreement with CFSEM, the scholarships are to be used strictly for college tuition.

Award Amounts: Two scholarships of at least $3,000

Criteria: Undergraduate students enrolled in a Michigan college or university majoring in public relations, journalism, communications or a related field may apply. Candidates must be members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and/or any other relevant communications-related volunteer activities. Seniors graduating in 2026 are not eligible. Applicants must be full-time students through the spring 2026 semester.

How to Apply: Students must respond to a series of open-ended questions about their understanding of public relations, current involvement in its study and future aspirations in the industry. All applicants must be available for a potential interview by the Scholarship Committee judges if needed. Please complete the easy online form, just click here.

Deadline to apply: August 30, 2026.

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.

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

Stay tuned for our 2025 internship application!

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

Events will be held throughout the year to help students prepare for entering the professional world. Public relations practitioners 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.