Spectrum Scholarship (YALSA-Sponsored Scholars)
The YALSA Spectrum Scholarship supports diverse future librarians passionate about serving teens, advancing equity and diversity in the library and information science profession.
Funder: Young Adult Library Services Association
Due Dates: March 1, 2027 (Spectrum Scholarship application deadline; annual closing date)
Funding Amounts: Typically supports two scholars annually; award covers tuition and expenses for one year of graduate study in library and information science.
Summary: Supports racially and ethnically diverse future librarians dedicated to serving teens, advancing equity and diversity in librarianship.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in serving youth ages 12–18 in a library setting.
Description
The Spectrum Scholarship (YALSA-Sponsored Scholars) is a national diversity and recruitment initiative led by the American Library Association (ALA) and sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Established in 1997, the program addresses the under-representation of racially and ethnically diverse professionals within librarianship. YALSA sponsors two Spectrum Scholars each year, focusing on applicants who are passionate about serving youth ages 12–18 in library settings. The scholarship aims to support the next generation of diverse library leaders while raising awareness of broader equity issues in the profession.
