Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026: Paid Summer Program for PR Graduate Students

Are you a graduate student dreaming of a career in public relations? The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 could be your ticket to real-world experience and industry recognition. This paid summer program lets you work on actual client projects while developing research skills that matter in today’s PR world. With applications closing soon on April 17, 2026, now is the time to prepare.

About the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship

The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement targets graduate students in public relations, communications, business, or related fields. Ketchum Analytics runs the program with the Institute for Public Relations. It connects classroom learning to practical PR work by focusing on research that shapes strategies and decisions.

The fellowship lasts eight weeks from mid-June to mid-August 2026. It happens in person at Ketchum offices in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas. Fellows join the Analytics and Strategy teams to help with client projects. They also must write a research paper using new tools and ideas. This paper could appear on the Institute for Public Relations website, giving you a strong start in the field.

Key Benefits for Fellows

This program packs multiple rewards into one summer. You earn $22 per hour for about 40 hours a week, which adds up to solid pay. Hands-on work exposes you to how a global PR agency operates, from data analysis to client strategies.

Other perks include a $2,500 grant once your research paper is accepted. You get a chance to shine at the IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City. Skills in analytics, strategy, and research grow fast through daily tasks. Networking with top PR experts opens doors for jobs in communications strategy or analytics roles.

Fellows leave with published work, pay, and connections that set them apart from other graduates.

Why the Fellowship Stands Out

Public relations has changed with data at its core. Companies now use research to know their audiences, check campaign results, and make smart choices. The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 trains you for this reality. It mixes agency tasks with research to build critical thinking and data skills.

Publishing your paper and sharing it with pros boosts your name in the industry. This early credibility helps in a tough job market. For anyone eyeing PR research or strategy, the program delivers both short-term gains and lasting career steps.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules

Not everyone qualifies, but if you fit, it’s worth the effort. You need to be a Master’s or PhD student in public relations, communications, business, or a similar research area. Complete at least one year of graduate study. Show strong English skills in writing and speaking.

Plan to work in person at least three days a week in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas. Expect about 40 hours weekly during the summer. Post-docs can apply too. A real passion for PR research, measurement, and strategy helps, along with skill in turning complex ideas into clear insights.

Application Steps and Timeline

Start by gathering your materials. Write a statement of interest that shows why you fit the fellowship. Create a research prospectus up to 1,000 words on your planned topic. Include a resume with your school, research, or work background.

A panel of PR researchers and pros reviews submissions. Top picks move to interviews with Ketchum staff. Submit by April 17, 2026. The fellowship runs mid-June to mid-August 2026. Finish your paper by November 10, 2026.

Check the official site at the Institute for Public Relations for full details and to apply. Act fast to meet the deadline and launch your PR path.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship?

It’s a paid eight-week summer program for graduate students in PR, communications, or related fields. Fellows work on real client projects at Ketchum offices and write a research paper.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Master’s or PhD students who have completed at least one year of graduate study in PR, communications, business, or similar areas qualify. Strong English skills and a passion for PR research are key.

What are the benefits of the program?

Fellows earn $22 per hour for 40 hours a week, receive a $2,500 grant for their paper, network with experts, and gain hands-on skills in analytics and strategy.

When is the application deadline?

Applications close on April 17, 2026. The program runs from mid-June to mid-August 2026, with the research paper due by November 10, 2026.