ECPR Foundation

Established in 2007, the Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation (ECPRF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit to support education and advancement in the public relations field. The ECPR Foundation provides scholarships to worthy high school students who intend to pursue a higher education field of study in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism.

The ECPR Foundation is the nonprofit charity arm of the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO), which was organized to:

• Foster an interest in public relations and affiliated fields;

• Encourage professional development for those employed in those fields; and

• Maintain a high degree of standards and ethics in the performance of public relations.

The focus of the educational support in the organization’s early years was to provide awards and recognition of public relations and media achievements at the middle school and high school levels. However, since 2015, the focus has shifted to the Foundation’s scholarship awards for the advancing high school seniors.

ECPRF is governed by a Board of Directors elected by members of ECPRO, a 501(c)(6) professional organization, and receives no compensation for their service as members of the Foundation board.

About the Scholarship

In 2024, the Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation will award $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors planning to pursue a college degree in the areas of public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism. The Sherry Harlow, APR Scholarship is made possible by a grant from Ms. Harlow. A second scholarship is sponsored by Eglin Federal Credit Union.

• AMOUNT: $1,000

• CRITERIA: High School senior residing in Okaloosa, Walton, or Santa Rosa counties, a U.S. Citizen, planning a college or university major course of study in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism.

Scholarship Requirements:  

• COMPLETED APPLICATION:  Available in high school guidance offices or online at www.ecpro.org

• GPA: 3.75 or higher

• ESSAY REQUIREMENT:  An original typed, double-spaced 200-300 word essay addressing an ethics issue in public relations or journalism.

• SERVICE ACTIVITY:  A listing of community service or leadership activities not to exceed one page.

• DEADLINE:  By mail or email not later than March 30, 2024

• SELECTION:  Applications and essays will be evaluated by a selection committee comprising members of the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization and the Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation.  The committee will rate applicants based on GPA, SAT or ACT scores, essay quality and community involvement.

• SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: The awards will be paid directly to the college or university following registration of the winning applicant at that college or university within one year of award date.