Spectrum Scholarship

About the Spectrum Scholarship
The Spectrum Scholarship Program is ALA's national diversity and recruitment effort designed to address the specific issue of under-representation of critically needed ethnic librarians within the profession while serving as a model for ways to bring attention to larger diversity issues in the future.

Administered by:

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Award and Frequency

A one-time, non-renewable $5,000 scholarship paid in two installments and $1500 for professional development support. Awarded annually.
This award is given out on an annual basis.

Eligibility

Please review the Spectrum Scholarship Program's eligibility guidelines and application instructions for more information. 

Applicant Responsibility

Spectrum recipients are required:
  • To maintain a course load of at least two classes per semester throughout the scholarship year (Fall Semester and Winter/Spring Semester).  Failure to register for and complete two courses in the Fall Semester will result in full forfeiture of Spectrum Scholarship status.  Failure to register and complete two courses in the Winter/Spring Semester will result in forfeiture of the January scholarship installment and may result in a request for the return of distributed funds.
  • To attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute.  This is a 3-day all-expense paid Institute designed specifically for the Spectrum Scholars. 
  • To become member of the American Library Association.  The Spectrum Scholarship Program will provide a student membership for all Spectrum Scholars. (Reimbursements will be made to those who are already members)
  • To complete a master’s degree in librarianship from a program accredited by the American Library Association OR a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an education unit accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Application Instructions

Apply online through the ALA Scholarship Program at www.ala.org/scholarships and select Spectrum from the list of available scholarships.

We encourage you to review our FAQ prior to beginning an application. 

 

Contact Information

Displaying active committee roster as of 04/27/2024. Last retrieved on 04/27/2024. Members can log in and refresh page to view full contact information for committee members.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Community Building 
  • Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership Potential

Notification

Recipients will be notified by phone on or before June 1st.  All other applicants will be notified by email after July 1st.