Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply
The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026 offers a great chance for students interested in public relations. This program focuses on research, insights, strategy, and measurement in PR. Applications close on April 17, 2026, so now is the time to prepare.
What is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship?
The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship supports graduate students in public relations or related fields. It gives them real-world experience at Ketchum, a full-service PR agency. The goal is to show how research can make a real difference in PR work. Fellows work on projects that matter to clients and learn from experts.
During the eight-week summer program in 2026, participants join Ketchum’s Analytics and Strategy teams. They handle tasks like measurement, analytics, and strategic research. The fellowship takes place in person at offices in New York City, Chicago, or Dallas. Fellows must come to the office at least three days a week and average 40 hours total.
At the end, each fellow writes a research paper for PR professionals. This paper uses top tools and methods for insights on PR strategies. It is not a school paper but one aimed at industry use. Fellows can add creative elements like infographics or videos to share their findings.
Key Benefits
Fellows earn $22 per hour for their work. This adds up over the eight weeks of full-time effort. They gain hands-on skills with real clients and agency resources.
The research paper gets published on the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) website if accepted. IPR also gives a $2,500 grant for the paper. Plus, the fellow gets recognized at the IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City on December 3, 2026. These perks build a strong resume in PR.
Who is Eligible?
Graduate students in public relations, communications, business, or research can apply. They need to have finished at least one year of their Master’s or Ph.D. program. Post-doctoral candidates qualify too. Everyone must speak and write English fluently.
How to Apply
Submit three items: a statement of interest, a research prospectus, and a resume. In the statement, explain why you deserve the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026. The prospectus covers your planned research topic in 1,000 words or fewer. List any PR work, research, or related experience on your resume.
Apply through the online form provided by Ketchum and IPR. Check the Institute for Public Relations website for full details. Act fast before the April 17, 2026 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship?
The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship is an eight-week summer program for graduate students in public relations. Fellows gain real-world experience with Ketchum’s Analytics and Strategy teams on client projects.
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
Graduate students in public relations, communications, business, or research who have completed at least one year of their Master’s or Ph.D. program qualify. Post-doctoral candidates are also eligible if they speak and write English fluently.
What are the key benefits of the program?
Fellows earn $22 per hour, work on real client projects, and write a research paper that may be published on the IPR website with a $2,500 grant. They also get recognized at the IPR Awards Gala.
How do I apply for the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship 2026?
Submit a statement of interest, a research prospectus of 1,000 words or fewer, and a resume through the online form on the Institute for Public Relations website. Applications close on April 17, 2026.