The American Library Association (ALA) offers multiple scholarships for graduate students. These scholarships support students pursuing a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS). The MLIS must be from an ALA-accredited program.
The ALA scholarship program includes many awards, such as the ALA General Scholarship, the Spectrum Scholarship, and the David H. Clift Scholarship. These awards provide financial assistance to students. They help cover the costs of tuition, books, and other educational fees.
Applicants submit one application to be considered for all eligible ALA scholarships. The application process requires students to craft personal statements and secure letters of recommendation. This guide provides details on the scholarship amounts, eligibility rules, and application steps.
Scholarship Coverage
ALA scholarships provide varying amounts of financial aid. The ALA General Scholarship offers $7,000. The Spectrum Scholarship provides $5,000 to students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Other awards fund specific library specializations, such as youth services, library technology, and cataloging. Scholarship funds are sent directly to the student’s educational institution. These funds are intended to be used for tuition and other program-related costs.
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Eligibility Criteria
There are four key eligibility requirements for most ALA scholarships. First, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada. Second, applicants must attend an ALA-accredited MLIS program.
Third, applicants cannot have completed more than 12 semester hours toward their degree before the application deadline. Fourth, applicants must provide three letters of reference. Specific scholarships, like the Spectrum Scholarship, have additional criteria related to demographic background.
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Application Process
To apply for ALA scholarships, you must complete the single online application form through the ALA’s scholarship portal. This one application matches you with all the scholarships for which you are eligible.
The application requires several key documents, such as academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a series of personal essays. Applicants must craft their essays to demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to the library profession.
Deadline
The annual application cycle for ALA scholarships closes on March 1. The application portal typically opens in the fall of the preceding year. You must submit all materials, including references, by this deadline.
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ALA Scholarships: Main Page and Application
