About PRSSA
What is PRSSA
In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) founded the Public Relations Student Society of America. The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.
The student society aims to foster the following:
Understanding of current theories and procedures of the profession
Appreciation of the highest ethical ideals and principles
Awareness of an appropriate professional attitude
Appreciation of Associate Membership in PRSA and eventually accredited membership
Today The Public Relations Student Society of America has more than 8,500 members in 270 chapters on college campuses across the country.
PRSSA Mission
To serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities;
To serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.
Awards & Scholarships
Each year PRSSA and its sponsors give away nearly $20,000 to winners in national scholarship and awards competitions:
National Gold Key Award - The National Gold Key Award is the highest honor given to members who demonstrate academic excellence in public relations and leadership qualities in PRSSA.
The Betsy Plank/PRSSA Scholarship - The scholarship recognizes academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, practical experience and commitment to public relations.
PRSA Codispoti Technology Section Grant - This grant, sponsored by PRSA's Technology Section, is open to all PRSSA members with an interest in high-tech PR.
National President's Citation - The President's Citation was created to celebrate and honor outstanding members of PRSSA.
Bateman Case Study Competition - The annual competition gives students an opportunity to exercise the analytical skills and mature judgement required for public relations problem solving.
Professor Sidney Gross Memorial Award - This award is presented to the PRSSA student who demonstrates superior understanding of ethical principles in public relations.
For a complete listing of all available scholarships and awards, please follow these links:
Member scholarships and awards
Travel Opportunities
An added benefit of membership in PRSSA is the opportunity to travel to exciting cities across the country to participate in professional and leadership development programs. Each year, PRSSA hosts two national events, and at least 10 regional activities. Recent destinations have included Miami, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Orlando, Baltimore and Nashville.
National Assembly - This spring event serves as the governing body for the Society as well as the training ground for chapter leaders. During this event bylaw changes are voted on and the new National Committee is elected. One voting delegate from each chapter, along with other chapter leaders interested in leadership training, attend this event. [more information]
National Conference - The PRSSA National Conference offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the field of public relations. Students from around the nation convene each fall for four days of workshops, a Career Expo, resume critiquing, networking opportunities, social events and much more. PRSA and PRSSA hold their conferences concurrently to facilitate networking. [more information]
Regional Activities - Hosted by individual chapters in various locations, these events are a great way to meet students and professionals in your area. A traditional regional activity consists of one to three days of sessions and social events. Regional Activities are normally held over a weekend in the spring. [more information]
Affiliation with PRSA
An underlying strength of PRSSA is its relationship with its parent society, PRSA. You will often hear people say that public relations is about 'who you know.' And PRSA is the 'who' to know. With more than 20,000 members in 124 chapters in the major PR markets of America, the PRSA/PRSSA partnership offers you a vast network of potential employers.
PRSA Associate Membership - Taking part in the PRSA Associate Membership program is the greatest benefit offered to PRSSA’s members. As a graduate and member of PRSSA you have the opportunity to become an Associate Member of PRSA for only $60 per year. Associate Membership can be held for only two years and at the special rate. [more information]
PRSA Relationship Building - Each PRSSA chapter has a parent PRSA chapter. As a member you have the opportunity to be invited to PRSA events, including monthly luncheons and meetings, at little cost. These events open a world of networking and learning.
(taken from the National PRSSA website: www.prssa.org)