Public relations students get a boost from local agency

Thompson & Co. PR sponsors PRSSA memberships

Eligible students at the University of Alaska Anchorage can get a membership at no cost to them to the national Public Relations Student Society of America. The organization prepares students pursuing a career in public relations and communications to be workforce-ready when they graduate by providing them access to local and global resources, including connection to a network of peers and mentors.

UAA recently reinstated its charter as the host campus for Alaska students. To recruit participation, Thompson & Co. Public Relations is offering to sponsor interested students’ membership dues.

“Supporting PRSSA students is an easy investment for our industry’s future. As a PRSSA alumni and employer of several, I benefit from the student society, the innovative thinking of young practitioners, evolution of the industry and continued emphasis of ethical principles that are learned through membership,” said T&C President and CEO Jennifer Thompson.

Thompson is a recipient of UAA’s Alumni of Achievement and owner of an Alaska-based public relations agency that services clients across every economic industry in the state.

Students interested in joining PRSSA should contact the department chair of Journalism and Public Communications at UAA, Joy Chavez Mapaye. The student chapter is led by PRSSA President Gabby Vance at UAA.

“Thompson & Co. Public Relations is truly paying it forward. Funding PRSSA student memberships will remove a barrier for many of our students. This generous investment in the futures of young communicators is one that will help promote equity, diversity and entrepreneurship in the communications industry. We are grateful for T&C’s partnership in building tomorrow’s workforce,” said Mapaye.

PRSSA advocates for rigorous academic standards for public relations education, the highest ethical principles and diversity in the profession. Locally, PRSSA students gain real-time industry experience through semester-long projects, campaign work and professional development opportunities with the Alaska Chapter of Public Relations Society of America.

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