Spectrum Scholarship (YALSA-Sponsored Scholars)
The Spectrum Scholarship (YALSA-Sponsored Scholars) by the Young Adult Library Services Association supports diverse graduate students dedicated to serving teens in libraries.
Funder: Young Adult Library Services Association
Due Dates: March 1, 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: YALSA sponsors two scholarships annually; typical award is $5,000 per scholar for one academic year.
Summary: Supports and advances racial and ethnic diversity among librarians serving youth ages 12–18 through annual scholarships for graduate study.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate both racial/ethnic diversity and commitment to serving young adults in library settings.
Description
The Spectrum Scholarship (YALSA-Sponsored Scholars) is an annual initiative by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA), to increase racial and ethnic diversity within the library profession. Since 1997, the program has provided scholarships to racially and ethnically diverse graduate students pursuing library and information science degrees, with YALSA specifically sponsoring two scholars each year who are committed to serving youth ages 12–18 in libraries. The program aims to address under-representation in librarianship and strengthen the pipeline of professionals dedicated to supporting diverse teen communities.
