NACIO Offers Certified Public Communicator Scholarship for Summer 2026
NACIO can help you take your career to the next level through Certified Public Communicator® Program at TCU. The program mixes theoretical instruction with experiential learning and case studies to assist you in building a strategic communication plan for your organization. In addition, you get to meet and learn with other public sector communicators from across the country.
The Certified Public Communicator® Program at TCU offers leadership training and rigorous post-baccalaureate education for public information managers and communication professionals working for cities, counties, school districts, and other public-sector, non-partisan agencies and organizations. The program focuses on the complexities, challenges, and importance of public communication to residents and other stakeholders.
Cost for the 95-hour program in summer 2025—including tuition, some meals, and course materials—is $3,750. Housing for out-of-town participants is an additional cost and is arranged through a group rate at TCU’s Hyatt Place. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2025. Learn more about the program’s new application process.
As a partner in the CPC program, NACIO offers one scholarship each summer to a NACIO member. The scholarship covers half the fee of the program. The recipient’s agency pays for the first half of the program, and NACIO will pay the second payment directly to the program.
To qualify for the NACIO scholarship:
- Must be a NACIO member.
- Must fill out the CPC program application and be admitted to the program.
- Upon completion of the program, the member’s Communications Plan will be made available to the NACIO Membership as a resource.
To apply:
- To apply for the program, please visit this webpage. The application deadline is December 31, 2025.
- To apply for the NACIO scholarship, send a resume, letter of interest stating why you want to be CPC-certified and verification from your organization that they are committed to paying half of the fee to connie.odom@wilcotx.gov.
- The scholarship application deadline is Feb. 1 of each year.
It is important to note that an application for the scholarship DOES NOT constitute an application for the program. Members must apply for the program independently at the link above by the deadline.
The Certified Public Communicator™ program is a partnership of TCU’s Department of Strategic Communication, Extended Education, the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (founding partner), the National Association of County Information Officers (partner), the Texas School Public Relations Association (affiliate partner), and the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (affiliate partner).
#TellingCountyStories 
Welcome to the official website for the National Association of County Information Officers, better known as NACIO. County communications professionals deal with all types of communication projects for multiple departments on a daily basis. And while the projects may vary, there is one common thread - teach project tells the story of county government to county residents. NACIO strives to not only bring together county and state association communicators but also to share valuable communication and networking opportunities to those wanting to learn how to tell their county’s story more effectively. Want to learn more? Check out how to Get Involved section under the about us tab, engage with us on social media, and consider entering our Awards of Excellence contest, which recognizes the best in county communications throughout the country.
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Become a MemberIf having direct access to a group of peers across the country who handle the same roles, responsibilities and issues as you in your role as a government communicators sounds beneficial, please join our group. NACIO provides networking and learning opportunities geared specifically for those in county government and state association positions. Join us
About NACIOAs an active affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo), NACIO works to promote the value of professional PIOs and communicators to county governments. NACIO members serve as judges for NACo's annual National County Government Month contest, and NACIO experts present highly entertaining workshops on media relations best practices at the NACo Annual and Legislative conferences.
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