The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation will award several $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa county high schools who plan to pursue a college degree in public relations, communication, marketing or journalism.
- Applications are due March 15, 2027, and may be submitted electronically or by mail. The application and additional information are available in high school guidance counselors’ offices and at www.ecpro.org.
To be eligible, applicants must be high school seniors living in Okaloosa, Walton or Santa Rosa counties, have a GPA of 3.75 or higher, be U.S. citizens and plan to study public relations, communication, marketing or journalism.
Applicants must also submit a brief essay addressing an ethical issue in public relations or journalism, along with a list of demonstrated leadership or community service.
In 2026, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to Avery Brannon of Fort Walton Beach High School, Trinity Hightower of Collegiate High School and Naomi Roberts of Niceville High School.
The foundation has previously awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Freeport, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Niceville and Pace high schools, as well as Collegiate High School, Rocky Bayou Christian School and one home-schooled senior.
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization established to support education and advancement in public relations and related fields.
For more information, contact Joe Purka at 850-974-1491 or jwpurka@gmail.com.
