The Arthur W. Page Society has significantly expanded its Pathways to Diversity scholarship program, adding a corporate matching pledge of up to $40,000, and an internship initiative designed to attract more students to the field of public relations.

Launched last year, the Pathways to Diversity program funds scholarships for high potential minority students who choose public relations and corporate communications as a career. The Page Society’s first scholarship contribution of $20,000 was made earlier this year, but with the added corporate matching component, the fund could top $80,000 in 2005.

“As our industry begins to function more as a global community, then practitioners will be better equipped to translate the issues and reflect the interests of the multi-cultural, multi-dimensional stakeholders we serve,” said Tom Martin, president of the Page Society. “The Page Society’s scholarship pledge for 2005 provides a call to action to others, and indicates our firm commitment to fostering diversity within the field.”

Under the new program, the Page Society will match dollar for dollar contributions from its members, up to a total of $40,000. Siemens Corporation is the first company to take advantage of the matching program, pledging $5,000. Jack Bergen, senior vice president – corporate affairs and marketing at Siemens, said, “Providing scholarships is a powerful way to make minority students more aware of the public relations profession and motivate them to seek careers in PR.”

The scholarships that will be funded under the revised program will be awarded in June of 2005. As it did this year, the Page Society will be partnering with two organizations that have long been active in working with ethnic minorities, THE LAGRANT FOUNDATION (TLF) and INROADS, Inc. (The Page Society awarded TLF and INROADS $10,000 each for scholarships last year.)

A third organization, the Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations, has been added as a Page-recommended organization to receive matching gifts for its scholarship program. Contributors to the matching gift program will be able to select the organization that will receive their contribution.

In addition to the matching gift initiative, the Page Society is adding a minority internship program to its diversity efforts. Member companies are being asked to sponsor a “Pathways to Diversity” scholarship winner or any other qualified minority student for summer work experience. The Society hopes to have the first interns in place next summer.

The Page Society’s Pathways to Diversity program is part of an industry-wide effort to create more diversity in the public relations profession. Debra Sanchez-Fair, who is co-chair of the Society’s Diversity Task Force, said, “We are trying to encourage and even model a business approach that values inclusiveness and understanding. We believe that the best possible thinking, ideas and results can only come from a truly diverse work force that represents multiple backgrounds and nationalities.”

About the Arthur W. Page Society

The Arthur W. Page Society is a professional association composed primarily of the chief communications officers (CCOs) of the world's top multinational corporations, and the CEOs of the world's largest public relations agencies. The organization's members also include academics from the leading business and communications schools.

The Page Society is dedicated to strengthening the management policy role of chief communications officers. The Page Society is upheld by management concepts, known as the Page Principles, which have been tested for more than half a century and have earned the support and respect of chief executive officers throughout the country. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Arthur W. Page Society.