Spectrum Scholarship

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and ALA.

Through the Spectrum Scholarship Program, the American Library Association affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of new generations of racially and ethnically diverse librarians to position ALA to provide leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services.

Applications for the program open on September 1st, and close March 1st of each year. Common questions about the scholarship and more information about the application process can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Spectrum - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Spectrum Scholarship?

The Spectrum Scholarship provides a one-time, non-renewable $5,000 scholarship awarded in two installments in September and January. The Spectrum Scholarship also affords recipients the opportunity to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute the summer following the first year of study. Considered a highlight of the Spectrum Scholarship experience, the Spectrum Leadership Institute offers professional development, networking, and mentoring opportunities. Valued at over $1,500 the Institute package includes travel, lodging, meals and complimentary registration for the ALA Annual Conference the year after selection.

Q. How many Spectrum Scholarships are awarded?

Spectrum awards as many annual scholarships as possible dependent on funding, typically 60 scholarships per year.

Q. Who is eligible to apply for a Spectrum Scholarship?

Students who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern/North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander planning to attend an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information science or an AASL-recognized School Library Media program are invited to apply.

Q. Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply for a Spectrum Scholarship?

No, but you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Spectrum Scholarship, you should:

• 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 upon acceptance of the award
• have full or part-time status
• plan to maintain a minimum course load of two classes per semester while receiving your scholarship funds

Applying for ALA Scholarships

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 to March 1. 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. ​