2023 VLA Scholarships: Apply Now

Deadline to Apply: March 20, 2023

The Virginia Library Association will award three, $3,000 scholarships for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science at ALA-accredited schools. The Clara Stanley Scholarship is awarded by the VLA Professional Associates Forum (VLAPAF), and the VLA Scholarships are provided by the Virginia Library Association.

The eligibility requirements for VLA Scholarships are:

• Residence in the state of Virginia or currently employed in a Virginia Library.
• Undergraduate degree.
• Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school.  MUST be earning a Master of Library Science Degree. 
• Membership in the Virginia Library Association
• Click here to become a student member. Annual fee is $15.00; or join VLA and the American Library Association as part of the Joint Student Membership program.
• For the Clara Stanley VLAPAF Scholarship: current employment at a Virginia library is required.

The major factors considered in making the awards are:

• Evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship in Virginia.
• Financial need.
• Potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession.
• Academic excellence.

In order to be considered, your application, including two (2) references, is to be submitted by March 20, 2023. You must have two (2) references. One (1) of the two (2) references is strongly recommended to be a librarian or other information professional.

To apply, visit the 2023 Virginia Library Association Scholarship Application via Kaleidoscope.  

The Scholarship committee will review applications and you will be notified of the Committee’s decisions in April 2023.  If you have any questions about any aspect of the application process, please contact:  Kelsey Cheshire, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries, at [email protected].