Virginia Mathews Memorial Scholarship
American Indian Library Association
Award: $4000 – $4000
Deadline: July 15.
To provide tuition to an American Indian individual who lives and/or works in the American Indian community, and who is enrolled, or has been accepted and will enroll, in a master's degree program at a university with a library and/or information sciences program accredited by the American Library Association. Qualifications: Applicants must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe as evidenced by the CIBC card of the applicant or be a tribal member with official documentation; be able to demonstrate sustained involvement in the American Indian community and sustained commitment to American Indian concerns and initiatives; be admitted to a graduate program in library and/or information sciences, accredited by the American Library Association; be enrolled in a minimum of 6 hours each semester of the year of the scholarship award; preference will be given to applicants who are employed in a tribal library or who are currently employed in a library serving American Indian populations; scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for the scholarship in a subsequent year, but may not receive a scholarship award for more than 2 consecutive years. Selection criteria: Applicants will be selected by a committee of AILA members. How to apply: Applicants must be submit online application form; enclosed with the application must be two letters of recommendation; letters should reference applicant’s academic abilities, potential for professional development and contributions as a librarian, and demonstrated commitment to supporting the concerns and initiatives of the American Indian populace; enclose evidence of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska village or similar official documentation; attach personal statement which addresses past and future sustained involvement in American Indian communities (not to exceed 500 words); attach resume. Focus: Library and archival sciences.