(via the Illinois Library Association)
The American Library Association is accepting applications for Spectrum Scholarships. Spectrum Scholars share in the prestige and opportunities that become available when they are selected. Each scholar receives $5,000 from ALA to combat the rising cost of graduate education as well as $1,500 to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute held during the ALA Annual Conference. In addition to financial support, recipients benefit from peer mentoring and a large alumni network.
To be eligible for a Spectrum Scholarship, you should:
- be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada
- identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern/North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
- attend an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or an AASL-recognized School Library Media Program
- be enrolled in an accredited program and begin no later than September 1st or Fall Semester
- have full or part-time status
- plan to maintain a minimum course load of two classes per semester while receiving your scholarship funds
Applications for the Spectrum Scholarships are accepted through the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse, which allows applicants to apply to multiple scholarships offered through the American Library Association. Applications for all ALA Scholarships are accepted annually from September of 2021 to March 1, 2022. To submit an application for a Spectrum Scholarship, the following items are required:
- Completed online application (which includes a personal statement).
- Three professional references (only references on the official online form will be accepted). You will be prompted to indicate your professional references within the online application.
- Official academic transcripts from the institution where you received your bachelor’s degree. If you are currently enrolled in an MLIS program or an AASL-recognized School Library Media Program, you will need to send a transcript from your current institution, as well. Only official (sealed) copies will be accepted.
The ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse (225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60601) must receive the completed online application, personal statement, three references, and transcripts by Tuesday, March 1, 2022, to be considered. Recipients will be contacted by phone after June 1, 2022. All other applicants will be notified by e-mail after July 1, 2022.
For more information, and to apply, please go here.