Emerging Leaders (YALSA-Sponsored Emerging Leader)
YALSA annually sponsors one early-career library staff member working with teens to join ALA's Emerging Leaders program, fostering leadership and professional growth in young adult library services.
Funder: Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) (https://www.ala.org/yalsa)
Due Dates: August 31, 2026
Funding Amounts: YALSA sponsors one Emerging Leader annually; sponsorship typically covers program fees and some travel support.
Summary: Supports one new library staff member each year to participate in ALA's Emerging Leaders program, fostering leadership among those working with or for teens.
Description
The YALSA-Sponsored Emerging Leader program is an annual opportunity for early-career library staff to participate in the American Library Association's Emerging Leaders program. This initiative is designed to fast-track promising new professionals into leadership roles within ALA and the broader library profession. Participants join a national cohort, collaborate on problem-solving work groups, network with peers, and gain an insider perspective on ALA’s structure and governance. YALSA sponsors one participant each year, with a focus on supporting those who work with or on behalf of teens.
