The New Jersey Library Association is committed to growing and advancing library professionals in the state of New Jersey. To demonstrate this commitment, NJLA provides $3750 Course Scholarships to students attending or accepted to attend ALA-accredited LIS graduate schools. Applicants must live or work in the state of New Jersey. The Scholarship Subcommittee seeks to recognize LIS students who demonstrate academic achievement, vision, innovation, and the potential for leadership.

Moreover, in partnership with Rutgers University School of Communication and Information (SC&I) Department of Library and Information Science (LIS), New Jersey State Library, and LibraryLinkNJ, NJLA will be awarding new Equity Scholarships of $8,500 each beginning in the Fall semester (September 2024) through the Spring semester (January 2025). These awards intend to increase equity and diversity in the recruitment and retention of library workers in the state of New Jersey who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, and/or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

Additionally, NJLA will be offering a scholarship in the amount of up to $30,000 funded by The Karma Foundation to assist one candidate in receiving an LIS master's degree. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual who demonstrates both academic and professional promise, as well as financial need.

The candidate who is selected must:
● Commit to completing the degree in 3 years or less from the award date
● Be enrolled in an accredited program beginning no later than September 15, 2024 (Fall Semester) with full or part-time status (Students with acceptance letters may apply as long as they anticipate fall enrollment.)
● Submit a statement of 500 words maximum explaining why they should receive this scholarship
● (if awarded) Agree to submit unofficial transcripts at the conclusion of each semester for the duration of the scholarship

To consider your application, the NJLA Scholarship Subcommittee will require a completed online application with supporting materials (listed below) submitted no later than Friday, March 15, 2024. All supporting materials must be provided digitally. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all requested materials are received by the stated deadline. 

Supporting materials to be submitted in addition to the online application include:

• A personal essay up to 500 words explaining your choice of librarianship as a profession. Remember, our review criteria seeks applicants who can demonstrate academic achievement, innovation, and leadership potential.

• A resume or CV that includes your work and education history, along with any internships or volunteer work.

• Transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended (undergraduate and graduate). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and encouraged.

• Two letters of recommendation. Share the link provided in the application with two individuals within your professional, business, or educational history who can comment specifically on your work ethic, academic achievement, innovation, and leadership potential. Applicants should ensure their recommender submits the form before the application deadline.

Please follow the file naming conventions provided on the online application when uploading supporting material.

 All applicants must agree to be available for a virtual interview on Thursday, April 18th or Friday, April 19th.

 To be eligible for our NJLA Equity Scholarships, you must:

• Complete the online application with all supporting materials

• Identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, and Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander

• Be enrolled in an accredited program beginning no later than September 15, 2024 (Fall Semester) with full or part-time status (Students with acceptance letters may apply as long as they anticipate fall enrollment.)

• Plan to maintain a minimum course load of two classes per semester while receiving NJLA Equity Scholarship funding

• Live or work in New Jersey

 Additional NJLA Equity Scholarship Benefits

• Access to NJ’s life-long learning network, professional development opportunities, and community building efforts

• Two-year complimentary membership in NJLA 

• Professional development, mentorship, and support from partners in the library ecosystem, particularly in relation to topics of equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Complimentary NJLA Conference registration for 2024 and 2025

 TO APPLY: https://forms.gle/x2zz1rVKCxn3GmQE6

Scholarship applications will be accepted January 1- March 15, 2024.

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Any questions can be directed to the NJLA Scholarship Subcommittee at: [email protected]