To be eligible for the Chester Burger Scholarship for Excellence in Public Relations, applicants must: be enrolled or continuing in a graduate studies degree program in public relations, journalism or related fields; and have a 3.0 GPA. The award may be used at any U.S. college or university offering a graduate program in public relations or related field. This scholarship was created to encourage graduate public relations students to pursue careers in corporate public relations, with the goal of making the public relations function more essential to the successful achievement of corporate goals consistent with the public interest, the precepts of sound business and the needs of key stakeholders.
Besides completing the application, applicants must also submit: a letter of recommendation of no more than two pages from a faculty member or PRSSA Faculty or Professional Adviser; an additional letter of recommendation of no more than two pages from an internship employer, educator or other individual who knows the applicant and can address their potential as a public relations counselor to management; a one-page resume; and an essay (1,000-word maximum) that addresses an assigned topic.