ALA Spectrum Scholarship
Offered by American Library Association
About This Scholarship
The Spectrum Scholarship is the American Library Association's flagship diversity recruitment program, created in 1997 to address the underrepresentation of librarians of color in a profession that serves increasingly diverse communities. Spectrum actively recruits American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students into graduate library and information studies programs, and the most recent cohorts have numbered 60 to 70 scholars per year.
Each Spectrum Scholar receives $5,000 toward the first year of an ALA-accredited master's program in library and information studies (or an AASL-recognized school library program), plus $1,500 in support to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute, a multi-day professional development gathering that connects new scholars with mentors and a national peer network. That cohort experience is a defining feature: Spectrum is as much a leadership pipeline as a scholarship, and alumni are visible throughout ALA's divisions, offices, and elected leadership.
Selection weighs academic record, commitment to serving communities of color, leadership potential, and a personal statement that asks applicants how they plan to benefit from and give back to Spectrum's community-building efforts. Applications run on ALA's annual scholarship cycle, opening in September and closing March 1 for the following academic year.
Eligibility
- Identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern/North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
- U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in or entering an ALA-accredited master's program in library/information studies or an AASL-recognized school library media program
- Attend at least half-time during the award year; no more than a limited number of credits completed before the award
How To Apply
- Apply through the ALA scholarship online application between September 1 and March 1. You will need transcripts, three references, a resume, and a personal statement responding to Spectrum's prompts on community and career goals. All materials must reach the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse by March 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Spectrum Scholarship worth?
Each scholar receives $5,000 toward graduate study plus $1,500 to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute, ALA's professional development program for Spectrum Scholars.
How many Spectrum Scholarships are awarded each year?
Cohort sizes vary with funding, but recent classes have included roughly 60 to 70 scholars per year.
Do I have to be an ALA member to apply?
No. Membership is not required to apply, though scholars are expected to engage with the Spectrum community and many go on to leadership roles within ALA.