CUPRAP Student Catalyst Fellowship

To support the entry of traditionally underrepresented professionals into marketing and communication professions, CUPRAP is proud to offer the CUPRAP Student Catalyst Fellowship. This award is designed to recognize promise and potential in writing, social media engagement, video and audio production, graphic design, journalism, and related fields.

In alignment with CUPRAP’s mission to advance the understanding of higher education and to strengthen the professional development of our field, eligible applicants include students who self-identify as minority, LGBTQ+, or first-generation and who are enrolled at an accredited institution with CUPRAP member representation. By supporting individuals whose perspectives have been underrepresented in our field, we help ensure that the stories our institutions tell are more inclusive, resonant, and reflective of our broader communities.

The successful applicant will receive a one-time, $2,500 award and complimentary registration to the CUPRAP Conference in the year the award is granted. Selection of a recipient is based upon an applicant’s academic performance, communication skills, and creativity.

The application deadline is December 10, 2026.

Eligible Candidates

• Must be a member of a recognized minority group, e.g., African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Native American; a member of the LGBTQ community; or a first-generation college student
• Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university (two-year or four-year; public or private) that has membership representation in CUPRAP
• Must have completed the first year of college and must be enrolled as a degree candidate in the second year or beyond for the 2026-2027 academic year
• The award is non-renewable. Recipients who wish to be considered for additional award funding must reapply each year.

Selection Process

• Selection of a recipient is based upon an applicant’s academic performance, communication skills, and creativity as demonstrated through work samples. Successful applicants often submit a faculty recommendation for additional consideration.
• The successful applicant will receive a $2,500 award and complimentary registration to the CUPRAP Spring Conference. 

How to Apply

• Complete the application form below;
• Upload a cover letter explaining why you are applying for this award, including any information related to your academic and/or career goals in communications that will be helpful to the selection committee. Your statement should be no longer than one page.
• Upload a resume summarizing your academic and work experience
• Upload a transcript from your school
• Submit at least two representative examples of your work. Samples may include news releases, feature stories, editorials, radio or television scripts, marketing, social media or advertising plans, links to audio or video work, graphic design samples or other marketing- and communications-related work. Please include a brief statement documenting the role you personally played in the creation of each sample.
• Recommended: Secure a recommendation from a staff or faculty member, which can be uploaded below.

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