AASL Announces Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Collection Development Grants

CHICAGO - Fifteen collection development grants are available to AASL members to create or expand their collection with content to provide context and content that explores Jewish experience, Jewish achievement, and Jewish identity as an antidote to antisemitism. Sponsored by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the “Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Collection Development Grants,” will offer fifteen AASL members $500 in grant funds to create or expand their collection.

Those interested in applying can access the application at www.ala.org/aasl/awards/JAHM. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

“Creating inclusive collections offer learners context for exploration and celebration of Jewish heritage” said AASL President Becky Calzada. “Thank you, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, for your support as an educational partner of school libraries in providing this important grant opportunity for our members.”

In line with U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism released by the White House in May 2023, JAHM (first established in 2006 thanks to a bi-partisan effort under the George W. Bush administration) has engaged millions of Americans with the diverse stories of American Jewish life. It serves as an antidote to antisemitism by highlighting the valuable role that Jews have played in our national story, and underscoring the importance of both classroom education and the work of public institutions—especially museums and libraries— which are among the most trusted and valued sources of information across demographic groups.

“We are honored to lead the national JAHM effort and thrilled to join forces with the AASL once again as a key educational partner,” said the Weitzman’s Chief Public Engagement Officer and director of JAHM, Emily August. “Education is at the heart of who we are and what we do at The Weitzman. Our goal is to teach the vibrant and true stories of Jewish life in America, bringing American history to life and creating connections in unexpected ways for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Being able to expand JAHM’s education work and deepen our relationship with the AASL this year is also thanks in great part to new JAHM funder, UJA Federation New York.”

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting nearly four centuries of American Jewish experience. Standing as a joyful bulwark against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate, The Weitzman presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America, inspiring in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. www.theweitzman.org

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a national month of recognition of the more than 365-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture, celebrated each May per Presidential Proclamation. JAHM serves as an antidote to antisemitism by lifting up the indelible contributions American Jews have made, and continue to make, to our nation’s history, culture, and society. JewishAmericanHeritage.org