ECPR Foundation

Established in 2007, the Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation (ECPRF) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that supports education and advancement in public relations. The ECPR Foundation provides scholarships to eligible high school students who intend to pursue higher education 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 organization’s early educational support was to provide awards and recognition for public relations and media achievements at the middle and high school levels. However, since 2015, the focus has shifted to the Foundation’s scholarship awards for 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 2026, the Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation plans to award $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a college degree in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism. The Sherry Harlow, APR Scholarship is made possible by a grant from Ms. Harlow. Eglin Federal Credit Union sponsors a second scholarship. A third scholarship will be available in 2026, made possible by donations from Linda Evanchyk, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, and Pitell Law Firm.

• 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/ecpr-foundation.

• 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 16, 2026

• 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 upon the winning applicant's registration at that institution within one year of the award date.

Download the Scholarship Application