(Canada, October 3rd, 2022) — The Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) has launched four national university scholarships that support climate communications across Canada. The scholarships fund Canadian undergraduate and graduate students in communication studies, journalism, public relations and related fields pursuing research in climate science communications, sustainability, and social justice. The FCF scholarships are designed to communicate awareness of the climate crisis, its history, challenges, and solutions, with a focus on the intersection of climate science, democracy, and indigeneity.
The four scholarships are funded by a US$ 100,000 endowment from Allard W. van Veen, Founder of The PR Trust, the 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that administers the Future Communicators Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships and bursaries that address climate science communications, social justice, and sustainability, with a focus on young scholars and aspiring professionals in underserved and underrepresented communities. The Foundation aims to inspire industry, academia, and the public sector to contribute towards a worldwide effort to support tomorrow’s future communications. In the coming months, the Foundation will announce further scholarships for students in communications at select Universities in Ghana, Egypt, and the United States.
“The climate emergency is one of the most pressing topics in today’s society,” said Allard W. van Veen, Founder of The PR Trust and FCF. “I believe that communications professionals can play a prominent role in promoting sustainability and climate science. We hope that the scholarships will help to develop students’ awareness of the need for science-based climate communications in developing a sustainable and equitable world for all.”
There are four scholarships available across Canada:
Climate Action Accelerator. The Future Communicators Foundation provides travel funding up to $1250 CAD for one senior undergraduate and one graduate student to present at a conference, workshop, teach-in, or event addressing climate and communications. We recognise that travel contributes to pollution; however, we feel that advancing the research and development of young scholars in climate communications is crucial. For more information: https://futurecomms.org/future-communicators-scholarship/#canada-act
Canadian National Scholarship. The Future Communicators Foundation provides two scholarships at $1750 CAD for senior undergraduateswhose research addresses climate, democracy, and indigeneity in Canada. Priority will be given to Indigenous applicants and those whose research addresses Indigenous perspectives on ecological and sociopolitical initiatives (including land back), as well as democratic action around the climate crisis. For more information: https://futurecomms.org/future-communicators-scholarship/#canada-nat
Students are required to create a short-form video addressing their climate communications research, and for the Canadian National Scholarship, create a mock pitch for a climate communications campaign. Judging will be conducted by academic and industry members of the FCF Advisory Committee and select University faculty from across the country.
All submitting students are admitted to the FCF Climate Action Cohort, and will receive access to the FCF Newsletter, providing information on scholarships, internships, mentorships, conferences and programs for students in Communications, Journalism, and adjacent fields, with a focus on climate, sustainability, and social justice. Students will have opportunities to participate in further outreach around climate issues by networking with our FCF cohorts of students, scholars, and partners around the globe. Click here for our Newsletter.
About the FCF
The Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) provides aspiring young professionals with scholarships, learning opportunities, and outreach programs that foster communication skills around social justice, sustainability, and civil society. The FCF is an initiative of The PR Trust, a 501(c)(6) non-profit organisation that provides knowledge and networking opportunities, student scholarships and awards programs that elevate and empower aspiring professionals and young leaders in communications. Learn more at: http://futurecomms.org | https://theprtrust.org
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