2014 Torchia Scholarship in Public Relations and Communications

TORONTO, Oct. 31, 2013 /CNW/ - The Communications + Public Relations Foundation, in partnership with Torchia Communications, announces the 2014 Torchia Scholarship, for students studying in public relations/communications programs across Canada.  The scholarship celebrates Canada's history of bilingualism and multiculturalism.

Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2014 for students who will finish their first year of study in Spring 2014 and be entering a second year of public relations and communications study in September 2014, in a degree program, a multi-year diploma or a certification program that meets recognized standards of education.  The Scholarship is valued at $1,500 and is for the winner's second year of academic study.

Established in 2007, the Scholarship has been awarded annually to a public relations student who best exemplifies the spirit and practice of bilingualism in the Canadian communications and public relations profession. The Scholarship was inspired by the career of Armand Torchia, who co-founded The Houston Group with Stan Houston, and Torchia Communications with his son Jean-Claude.

Eligible students are those who have chosen to study public relations or communications in one of Canada's two official languages that is not his/her first language or mother tongue. Past recipients include winners with a variety of language and cultural backgrounds—English studying in French, French studying in English, and a number of winners whose first language is neither English nor French and who have facility in three or more languages.

"Speaking multiple languages enriches students, gives them a competitive edge and a greater appreciation for other cultures and ways of thinking, which often leads to exciting career opportunities," said Jean-Claude Torchia, President, CEO and co-founder of Torchia Communications.  "Torchia Communications is very proud to support this Scholarship and what it represents.  We look forward to many submissions next Spring to be reviewed by a jury of experts and a winner chosen."

According to Gordon McIvor, Chair of the Communications + Public Relations Foundation, who is fluent in both English and French, "this Scholarship demonstrates a commitment to breaking down barriers, and to creating an understanding about cultural differences within the country so that we might create a stronger shared identity."

The Torchia Scholarship monies are managed by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation. The Foundation promotes the advancement of communications and public relations as vital functions in society, is dedicated to the public interest, and is committed to increasing public knowledge and awareness of the role of communications and public relations in daily life.

The Foundation accepts individual and corporate contributions towards research and educational initiatives nationwide.

For more information about the Scholarship, its criteria and how to apply, as well as its other educational initiatives, contact Barbara Sheffield, Executive Director, Communications + Public Relations Foundation, Suite 1515, 73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3, or phone [phone] or email [email protected].

SOURCE: Communications + Public Relations Foundation

Contacts:

Barbara Sheffield
Executive Director
416 242-6146
[email protected]

or

Carol Sharpe
Torchia Jury Chair
[phone]
[email protected]