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Apply for a James Cross Giblin Scholarship to attend one of the many kidlit courses offered by the Highlights Foundation.

James Cross Giblin Scholarship

Comics vet Robert V Conte writes to tell us about a unique course for young NYC area comics creators that offers $22,500 in scholarships. Details and how to apply below. Deadline is March 28th. The scholarships are as follows: First Place — $10,000.00 Second Place — $5,000.00 Third Place — $2,500.00 Best of Borough – $1,000.00 each for selected stories in […]

Last month, we were excited to announce the establishment of the Lee & Low and Friends Scholarship in conjunction with Simmons College. This scholarship will provide opportunities for students of color to enroll in the Simmons College graduate program in children’s literature, one of the country’s finest.

In this interview, we talk to two of the key players behind the new scholarship. Cathryn M. Mercier, PhD is the Director of the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons College and the director of the center’s M.A. and M.F.A. programs. Jason Low is the Publisher/Co-owner of LEE & LOW BOOKS.

Specifically, who will the scholarship help in terms of preparing for a career in publishing?

Cathryn M. Mercier: Our graduate programs attract students from a wide range of professional interests. They can be writers enrolled in an MFA program who are in graduate seminars with students intending to pursue careers as librarians or teachers; with students who want to pursue doctoral studies where they can focus on literature for young people; with reviewers or booksellers or rare book dealers; with others seeking careers in children’s book publishing – in editorial, marketing, design. The cross-professionalism of a graduate program in children’s literature that itself embraces the cross-disciplinarity and multi-vocality of the field appeals to students who share the belief that books change lives.

While there are always slight shifts in the student’s professional interests, the past ten years have seen a steady increase in the number of students wanting to enter publishing. Yet, we consistently find that doors to the field are very hard to open. Writers in the program find it difficult to get their work read by either editorial departments or by literary agents. As the competition to be read increases, writers of color struggle to find their way into publishing venues.

Similarly, internships – often operating as volunteer positions and once considered a version of career exploration – have become a necessary apprenticeship. Yet, many many students need to work during the summers; they simply cannot afford to take on a volunteer internship. Even a stipended internship might help to pay the rent, but it may not go much further than that.

First-generation college students – of which I am one – find it very hard to enter publishing partly because they just don’t “know the ropes” and need mentoring; and, again I speak from experience, they find it financially challenging to give up summer earnings for an internship when those earnings are needed elsewhere.

I do believe that this scholarship will make accessible a whole range of publishing arenas – writing, marketing, editing, agency, publicity – to students who have been otherwise disadvantaged, discouraged, or simply excluded from those fields. The scholarship might go to a student in the writing program to alleviate tuition costs; it might go to a student in the form of a stipend to support internship work; it might go to a student seeking to complete a nonfiction (or fiction!) manuscript and needing to complete research. Yes, I am looking at the scholarship as a way to diversify our student body and I hope that this opportunity for scholarship consideration will appeal to prospective students of color.

How will the scholarship help bring equity to publishing?

CMM: In one sense, this scholarship will first change the pipeline of those entering the study of literature for children and young adults. Our program’s commitment to diversity and inclusion means that all students are engaged in thinking about who is and is not included in literature; about the terms of inclusion; about the authority and authenticity of representations of diverse experiences. I mention this because equity comes from changing who works in publishing and from changing how anyone who works in publishing thinks about diversity and inclusion – of what they publish and to whom they sell what they publish.

Jason Low: If the scholarship can lessen the economic burden of obtaining an advanced degree from Simmons, we may be able to contribute to diversifying future publishing staffs. Simmons graduates go on to become librarians who influence collection development and serve on award committees. They also become reviewers who are the tastemakers of the industry. And many Simmons alumni become editors who are responsible for acquiring stories that may inspire children for generations to come. These are all key positions that make up the publishing ecosystem, and currently these roles are overwhelming white.

Cathryn, what gave you the idea to create a publishing scholarship?

CMM: Our program has a number of scholarships for students and students across the spectrum of professional careers as well as students from diverse backgrounds have always been considered for all scholarships. However, as I heard more and more students wanting to enter publishing, as I saw the need for more books by writers of color, and as I saw the movement from an internship as an optional experience to an apprenticeship, I became quite interested in addressing this specific set of needs. The program had an alumna who wanted to commit to increasing diversity in the student body and found motivation in the current student interest in publishing as well as the need to diversify publishing.

Cathryn, what are some of the challenges you faced in establishing this scholarship, and how did you overcome them?

CMM: The primary challenge was in getting to the goal of $100,000 so that the fund could be named. Again, we had an alumna donor wanting to make a significant gift and we had Lee & Low’s significant gift, but still we were not at the naming level. Naming is important for a whole range of reasons – not the last of which is that a named scholarship helps with recruitment and a student who is awarded a named scholarship gets to wear that banner throughout their career. Our alumna donor was so excited about the Lee & Low interest that she asked if we might be able to name the scholarship “Lee & Low…and Friends.” In addition, when she saw that we were close, but not close enough, she earmarked part of her gift as a challenge grant to the entire alumni body of the children’s literature programs. Within months, and through the generosity of many donors, we reached the goal.

Of course, we do hope that the fund will continue to grow. Just because we reached our goal does not mean that we’ve closed the book on this one! I know that a scholarship dedicated to diversifying our student body will continue to be a compelling one for alumni – and hopefully for others in publishing who wish to effect necessary change.

Why did Lee & Low Books partner with Simmons College to establish a scholarship?

JL: Inequality pervades almost every aspect of life, from the films and TV shows we watch, to the books we read, to the people we call our neighbors. To believe that the lack of representation in the workplace does not in some way greatly influence the kinds of books published and how they are marketed, sold, and reviewed is naïve at best and willfully ignorant at worst.

Since Lee & Low is an employer of people who work in publishing, we have seen a good many resumes come across our desks over the years. Many of the most qualified candidates went to Simmons College, so a partnership with Simmons represents an important piece of the puzzle.

Jason, why do you think it is the responsibility of publishers to offer opportunities like this? What would you say to other publishers who have been approached to help sponsor similar programs?

 JL: Quite simply the push has to come from publishers; they need to make a definitive statement that the industry wants to change. In the scheme of things, the Lee & Low and Friends Scholarship is just the beginning. For this scholarship to be successful, it has to grow and remain active for many consecutive years for it to make a dent in publishing’s diversity deficit. Lee & Low cannot do it alone. We need other publishers to step up and replicate this scholarship at other colleges with publishing and librarianship programs.

Recruitment is one key part of diversifying the industry; retainment is another. What steps does Simmons take to ensure that diverse students feel welcome at Simmons once they are accepted?

CMM: Graduate students attend orientation and School (we are in the School of Library and Information Science) has a wide range of student groups – many of them affinity groups – that students join. Nonetheless, a few days ago I met with the graduate program’s student advisory board to solicit their help and insight about increasing facets of diversity and inclusion throughout our graduate programs. They suggested extending the kind of mentoring work that we do with MFA candidates, thesis writers, and independent projects to diverse students. MFA, etc., students are placed with individual mentors to work on creative or scholarly projects. I’m interested in how we might develop such a mentoring program for diverse students.

What are some of the benefits for all students of a more diverse student body?

CMM: What aren’t the benefits? The best graduate seminar discussions come for the widest range of possible experiences and insights. Some of our assignments require collaboration, and successful collaboration means working within and across differences. In a graduate classroom, we look at the ways in which one’s culture matters in a book and to do that best, we need to have cultural diversity and multiple voices in all our conversations. The more diverse the student body, the more voices we have from all elements of our complex society, the better we become at unpacking our differences and shaping a shared future. 

Jason, how diverse is the staff of Lee & Low Books?

JL: Lee & Low is one of the few minority-owned publishers. Overall, our staff is reflective of this with 69% of our staff consisting of people of color.

What are some of the economic benefits of a more diverse work staff?

JL: Different perspectives help grow a business in ways that management could never predict or come up with on its own. Our staff is an integral part of what has helped Lee & Low become a stronger company and we value our staff by listening to them. Our diverse staff (in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender) puts Lee & Low in a unique position to act on a mission that has evolved. When Lee & Low was first founded in 1991, our mission was to publish multicultural books. Over time, we added stories with characters with disabilities and LGBTQAI themes. Who knows how the mission will expand next. Publishing books is a quietly passionate business. Having staff of all backgrounds who are deeply invested in diverse books matters. So are there economic benefits to hiring diversely? Yes, there are.

You have said that this scholarship is one way to address the “pipeline” problem in which publishers struggle to find qualified diverse candidates for positions. What are some other ways the industry can address this problem?

JL: When we are looking at entry-level candidates to hire, we often look for some relevant experience, usually in the form of publishing internships. Recently, we converted our internship program to accept diverse candidates only. We also made our internships paid, since many college kids cannot afford to serve in unpaid internships.

When publishers are looking to fill positions they may try to expand their search to colleges outside of their normal circles. Sending representatives to colleges to talk about careers in publishing is the kind of outreach that may be necessary to inform people that publishing is a rewarding career that is worth serious consideration. I have been to schools where students were unaware of our industry, but after I finished my presentation, they were interested.

Finally, once diverse staff is hired, mentorships should be provided. Being the only African American person in a department can be a challenge. Empathy and clear support from the top goes a long way. The only way the industry will become more diverse is by retaining the diverse candidates who decide to choose publishing as a career. Retention is crucial.

Workshop Scholarship: Applying to Publishers and Artist Residencies (fee free)

Daedalus Books Presents THE ART OF THE PITCH taught by John Sibley Williams and Jill McCabe Johnson

As of this morning, YALSA is $205 away from reaching our end-of-the year fundraising goal of $1,000. If we hit our goal, a donor has agreed to match it with a $1,000 donation of their own! Please consider making a donation to Friends of YALSA, which supports $16,000 worth of grants, scholarships and awards each year for library staff. Donations can be made online, and details are here: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/givetoyalsa/give. Donations can also be made via text message. Simply, text ALA TEENALA to this number: 41518 to make a $10 donation to YALSA. Thank you for your support and have a wonderful new year!

ALSA and Baker and Taylor are proud to support the continuing education endeavors of librarians across the country. They offer not one, not two, but three great scholarships to help YALSA members who have never attended ALA Annual the opportunity to do so. And it is a wonderful opportunity. I was lucky enough to win in 2011 and be able to attend Annual in New Orleans. It was a very satisfying experience and allowed me to connect with my teen librarian colleagues and YALSA members in a way I never had via the online environments of list-servs and websites. That one conference gave me the confidence to continue to volunteer for YALSA committees and taskforces, Since 2011, I have had the opportunity to help YALSA’s strategic goals by serving on several different process and selection committees and it has been incredibly rewarding.

The criteria for these grants are pretty simple and available on the website. To paraphrase: you need to be a member of ALA/YALSA, one to ten years experience working with teens (for the Baker and Taylor scholarships only), and you have never attended an ALA Annual conference. For the Broderick scholarship (which is open to MLIS students), you must be currently enrolled in ALA accredited graduate MLIS program. The deadline for applying is December 1. Still not convinced that attending Annual is worth it? Here is what some of the previous years winners have to say.

Julia Hutchins, winner of the Broderick Student scholarship says:

Last year when I was asked to participate in a program at the ALA Annual Conference I was hesitant to say yes, knowing my library could never afford to send me all the way to Las Vegas for this opportunity. I applied for every scholarship and funding opportunity I could find. Amazingly, I won a YALSA scholarship to attend. I had just finished my MLIS from Florida State University the month before the conference. What better way to celebrate finishing library school than at a conference with more than 10,000 of my peers? Not only did YALSA’s scholarship make it possible for me to participate in the “Programs Gone Wrong” panel, but to attend many informative events such as a technology petting zoo and collection development panels. I also met numerous authors and was even able to get autographed books for Summer Reading prizes for teens at my library. The teen who won the autographed copy of The Book Thief will treasure it for years to come. Author Markus Zusak even wrote “Congratulations” inside the cover.   

Heather Schubert, a winner in 2012, states:

I was the recipient of two ALA awards/grants that allotted me the opportunity to attend ALA for the first time. The ALA events I was invited to and the people that I met because of these awards have broadened my horizons as a librarian. I was able to meet librarians from all over the country, whom I still collaborate with to this day. 

Susan Smallsreed, another 2012 recipient says:

Thanks to the YALSA Baker & Taylor Scholarship, I attended my first and only ALA Annual Conference in sunny Anaheim in June of 2012.  Without the grant, I could not have afforded to attend a pre-conference, workshops, all the award banquets, several author events (Libba Bray and Kazo Kibuishi!) and the orgy of the exhibit room floor (Can you say “swag”?) Oh! And don’t forget the great YALSA happy hour and membership meeting  It was an amazing opportunity to completely indulge in my library geek-i-ness.  Thank you, YALSA and Baker & Taylor! 

Finally, Juanita Lamalipour, a 2013 recipient says: I also learned of many new career opportunities available throughout the country.

YALSA and Baker and Taylor and the Broderick scholarship for students are the perfect opportunities to kick your YALSA membership into gear. Apply today! Applications due by December.

—

Sarah Wethern is a youth librarian in Minnesota and is the current chair for the 2015 YALSA Conference Travel Scholarships jury. She is greatly assisted by four hardworking and dedicated librarians across the country.

Last month I was lucky enough to attend the 2014 ALSC National Institute in Oakland, California thanks to a generous scholarship awarded to me by the Friends of ALSC. I am so grateful for the time spent at the Institute last month and would like to thank the Friends for enabling me to participate in such a stellar weekend of learning and fun. And a huge thanks to everyone at ALSC who worked hard to put together the Institute!

Fairyland Reception (Photo by Nicole Martin)

Some of my favorite moments from the Institute have to be the wonderful author presentations and panels, especially the hilarious author panel that took place at Children’s Fairyland with Jennifer Holmes, Daniel Handler and Mac Barnett. The crowd was filled with giggling librarians and even a few fairy wings! After our breakout sessions at the park, a reception awaited us in the Emerald City. There was even a yellow brick road! I excitedly stood in a lengthy line so Barnett and Handler could sign some favorite books for me. It was well worth the wait (and the cost to ship my book haul back to Ohio!). I also loved the Closing General Session, during which Andrea Davis Pinkney presented on her work and even sang a bit. She was so energetic and inspiring, truly closing the 2014 Institute with a high note.

Closing Keynote Speaker (Photo by Nicole Martin)

I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of which I found myself navigating the conference center. I have attended two ALA Annual Conferences and I have yet to not find myself, at least once, mildly lost in a massive conference center trying to find a workshop. It was so great to be able to attend a workshop, drop off handouts in my hotel room and then make it back for another workshop session without getting lost or feeling rushed. This might seem trivial, but it made an impression for me!

I was especially impressed with the wealth of relevant workshop topics available throughout the Institute. Some of my favorite workshops were “Be a Winner! Inspired Youth Grant Writing”, “Tech Access on a Budget” and “Summer Lunch at the Library”. Each of these workshops offered me incredibly practical information and insight that I brought back to my library to share with administration and fellow librarians. I feel confident that our 2015 summer lunch program will be more successful than last year’s because of what I learned at the ALSC Institute. I returned to Ohio knowing that other librarians struggle with shoestring technology budgets and there are various routes to find grant funding.

Oakland farmer’s market (Photo by Nicole Martin)

In addition to the great learning and networking opportunities at the Institute, I was happy to spend some time exploring the neighborhood and even managed to squeeze in time for sleep (a sometimes difficult endeavor!).  A wonderful farmer’s market was happening in the neighborhood adjacent to the conference center and I spent my lunch hour meandering the stalls and munching on delicious shrimp tacos.

I would highly recommend any librarians with an interest in serving youth to attend the next ALSC Institute. You won’t regret it! I would also encourage anyone who might be deterred by travel costs and registration fees to apply for the Friends of ALSC Scholarship. I applied rather humbly not expecting to win, and here I am writing my very own recap as a scholarship winner. The next recipient could be you!

_________________________________________________________

Nicole Lee Martin is a librarian at the Grafton-Midview Public Library and a 2014 Friends of ALSC Scholarship recipient.  You can contact her at [email protected] .

Each year the SCBWI sponsors two student writer scholarships to the Summer and Winter Conferences for full-time university students in an English or Creative Writing program.

This is an invaluable opportunity for young writers! We are now accepting applications for the 2015 SCBWI Winter Conference in New York, February 6-8.

Award:

–Full tuition to main conference events including keynotes and breakout sessions. (Award does not include travel or hotel expenses.)

–Exclusive exposure to industry professionals at the conference.

–An SCBWI Conference advisor to help navigate the jammed-packed weekend.

PLUS:

NY Conference: Admission to the Writers’ Plot Intensive or Writers' Roundtables event.

Deadline: December 8, 2014

Eligibility:

1. You must be at least eighteen years old to apply.

2. All full-time students enrolled in an accredited educational institution are eligible to apply.

Guidelines:

One winner will be chosen from a graduate or doctoral program and one winner will be chosen from an undergraduate program.

Applicants are required to submit:

–Short cover letter stating why you want to attend the conference and a synopsis of your work.

–Five-page sample of a manuscript

–Copy of your student ID

–Letter of recommendation sent directly from a professor at your university.

Applications MUST BE electronically submitted as ONE PDF to:

kaylaDOTheinenATscbwiDOTorg (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )

Letters of recommendation can be sent separately as a Word document.

Applications will be judged by a panel decided by SCBWI.

In the event that a recipient cannot attend for any reason, the grant committee should be notified as soon as possible. The scholarship may, in that event, be awarded to another applicant. The grant is not transferrable and cannot be postponed. SCBWI reserves the right not to award the scholarship in any given year.

Questions? Contact the Grant Coordinator, Kayla Heinen

The Friends of ALSC are offering two scholarships to the 2014 ALSC National Institute (image courtesy of the Friends of ALSC)

The ALSC National Institute, devoted solely to children’s and youth library services, offers a small, intimate setting for participating in programming and getting to know colleagues. Programs will delve into some of the most important topics in library service to children such as using technology in programming, what’s hot in children’s spaces, working with underserved populations and using local partnerships to improve programming. Participants are sure to go home feeling reinvigorated about the profession and more connected to others in the field.

The online application must be submitted before midnight on Friday, May 30, 2014. Prior to submitting the application, seek permission from current supervisor for time off to attend the Institute. Winners will be notified by Friday, June 13, 2014. For more information on the Institute scholarship including requirements and a link to the application form, please see the ALSC National Institute site.

Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference Scholarships available!
Scholarship Application Deadline Monday April 7, 2014

This summer the Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference, which prides itself on its intimate lakeside setting and award-winning teaching faculty, will hold week-long workshops in poetry led by Camille Dungy and Aimee Nezhukumatathil, in fiction led by Sheri Joseph, in creative non-fiction led by Rebecca Brown, and a multi-genre workshop led Judson Mitcham. We are featuring Pam Houston as our Distinguished Visiting Writer. The conference prides itself on its intimate lakeside setting and award-winning teaching faculty. Go to our website for more information.

The Conference Fee is $545 before April 1 and includes a daily workshop limited to 13 writers, daily craft talks, an editor’s talk with Patrick Thomas of Milkweed Editions, a faculty publishing panel, afternoon events, and three conference meals. An Auditor Option is also available for $125 and includes all conference amenities and events offered during the week, but does not include a workshop.

Five $300 scholarships will be awarded toward the conference fee. Scholarship awards are based on need and literary merit and intended to lower financial barriers for writers who want to practice the arts of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction with award-winning authors in an intimate setting. Apply here by April 7.

Recreational activities on site include canoeing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, and the campus fitness center, or relax at the beach and picnic among the pines in Diamond Point Park. Explore scenic Lake Bemidji and visit the headwaters of the Mississippi. Stay within walking distance to the beach and all conference activities in modern and air-conditioned Linden Suites on campus for only $25 per night. WiFi and high speed Internet are standard. This is a great opportunity for writers to study their craft and come together in a supportive and enthusiastic community!

Each year the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators sponsors two student writer scholarships to the Summer and Winter Conferences for full-time university students in an English or Creative Writing program.

Award:
–Full tuition to main conference events including keynotes and breakout sessions. (Award does not include travel or hotel expenses.)
–Exclusive exposure to industry professionals at the conference.
–An SCBWI Conference advisor to help navigate the jammed-packed weekend.
PLUS:
LA Summer Conference: An individual manuscript consultation of the first twenty pages of your manuscript with an industry professional and entrance to the Writers’ Intensive.

Eligibility:
1. You must be at least eighteen years old to apply.
2. All full-time students enrolled in an accredited educational institution are eligible to apply.

Guidelines:
One winner will be chosen from a graduate or doctoral program and one winner will be chosen from an undergraduate program.
Applicants are required to submit:
–Short cover letter stating why you want to attend the conference and a synopsis of your work.
–Five-page sample of a manuscript
–Copy of your student ID
–Letter of recommendation sent directly from a professor at your university.
Applications MUST BE electronically submitted as ONE PDF to:

kaylaDOTheinenATscbwiDOTorg (Change AT to @ and DOT to .)

Letters of recommendation can be sent separately as a Word document.
Applications will be judged by a panel decided by SCBWI.
In the event that a recipient cannot attend for any reason, the grant committee should be notified as soon as possible. The scholarship may, in that event, be awarded to another applicant. The grant is not transferrable and cannot be postponed. SCBWI reserves the right not to award the scholarship in any given year.

Deadline: April 15

10. Based on a recommendation another awardee will be identified, and receive partial scholarship for remainder of the school year or funds whichever is appropriate.
11. The decision of the Scholarship Committee is final.

"Set the captives free..."

Geoffrey Philp, author of Marcus and the Amazons
Contact: geoffreyphilp101 [at] gmail.com

The Jan-ai Scholarship Fund will sponsor two poets or writers between the ages of 18 - 30 to attend the 21st Annual WINTER POETRY & PROSE GETAWAY, January 17-20, 2014 in the Atlantic City area.

Recipients may choose from workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir and more, including special advanced sections with Stephen Dunn and Tony Hoagland. In addition, the conference also offers open mics, tutorials, talks, sunrise yoga, dancing at the Getaway Disco and writerly camaraderie.

The Jan-ai Scholarship Fund commemorates the life and untimely death of young writer, poet and photographer, Jennifer Cakert (1980 - 2006).

DEADLINE: November 30, 2013.

For more information, visit our website.

Four scholarships are being offered for first-time participants of the 21st Annual WINTER POETRY & PROSE GETAWAY, January 17-20, 2014 in the Atlantic City area. Recipients may choose from workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir and more, including special advanced sections with Stephen Dunn and Tony Hoagland. In addition, the conference also offers open mics, tutorials, talks, sunrise yoga, dancing at the Getaway Disco and writerly camaraderie.

There are two different categories of scholarships available:

+ The Toni Brown Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Getaway faculty and staff, will offer places to two poets or writers age 31 and over. Deadline: Nov. 15, 2013.

+ The Jan-ai Scholarship will sponsor two poets or writers between the ages of 18 - 30. Deadline: Nov. 30, 2013.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY TODAY
 
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ABOUT THE WINTER POETRY & PROSE GETAWAY
Escape the distractions of your busy life. Advance your craft and energize your writing at the Winter Getaway. Enjoy challenging and supportive sessions, insightful feedback and an encouraging community.

The Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway is presented by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Murphy Writing Seminars, LLC.

I received the following information in an email. If you or someone you know is a member of an under-represented community and are interested in an Master in Library and Information Science, please read on!

Deadline: August 1, 2013.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro was recently awarded a 3^rd ACE (Academic and Cultural Enrichment) Scholars grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.

As part of this grant, UNC-G needs to recruit 10 students from under-represented communities into their ALA-accredited two-year Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree program and prepare them for professional positions in community college libraries, with emphasis on serving diverse populations, including refugees and immigrants.

The program can be completed online or face-to-face on the campus in Greensboro, NC. The program requires a full semester practicum in a community college and service learning projects, as well as specialized course work in community college librarianship. As fellow NCLA members, we are hoping that you might be able to identify staff members, former students, or interested others to join the program.

The ACE Scholars will receive:

·       full tuition and fees, and a monthly stipend to attend the UNCG LIS program

·       memberships to ALA and NCLA or other state organization

·       community college practicum opportunities

·       networking and mentoring opportunities from community college librarians

The time for application is short. We must have a completed application to the graduate school by August 1, 2013. The program will start in mid-August. The program is fast-tracked. It must be completed in 2 years.

To apply: 

1) To apply for admission to the graduate school. For this they will need:

·        Recent (within 5 years) GRE scores

·       Transcripts from either a US institution or have transcripts from a non-US institution evaluated by a NACES accredited organization.

ainternational transcripts.

2) To apply for the ACE Scholars Program for Community College Librarianship scholarship. Please submit:

• The application
• A personal statement that explains your interest in community college libraries
  • The statement can be a written document or a video presentation
  • Discuss in up to 500 words why you are interested in participating in the current ACE Scholars Program and
  • Discuss in up to 500 words what value your diversity background/experiences will add to community college libraries serving diverse communities, such as New Americans

3) Participate in an interview with the grant’s principal investigators in person or through some other medium.

Click here to complete the ACE Scholar application and upload your documents.

Learn about admission and application requirements here:

http://lis.uncg.edu/prospective-studentsadmission/

iLEAD (International Librarians Enhancing Access and Development) Fellowship Opportunity

The Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) invites applications from international students to its iLEAD Fellows Program. An iLEAD Fellow will be an international student taking the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) Program, supported by an International Graduate Assistantship (IGA) (stipend with tuition waivers requiring 20 service hours/week). More information about graduate assistanships can be found at the “Financial Support” tab at: http://lis.uncg.edu/prospective-studentsadmission/

The iLEAD Fellows Program is one of the Department’s international initiatives http://lis.uncg.edu/academic-programs/diversity-and-community/.  Application form: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEJWVmpyQ3NRNDl6UjV2SG5Nb0xzaXc6MA

The application includes an essay of 750 words or less on applicant’s experience with and plans to enhance library and information access and development in your home country, especially to diverse and underserved communities.

Up to two iLEAD Fellows will be selected from the new incoming international students, starting in Fall 2013, on the basis of demonstrated academic ability, evidence of commitment to enhancing library and information access and development in their home country, and financial need. To be considered for the iLEAD Fellows Program, applicants must submit both a UNCG Graduate School application for admission to the MLIS Program and the Department’s Graduate Assistant Application by the stated deadline.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Lee Shiflett, Director of Graduate Study  [email protected]

E.M. Koeppel $1,100 Short Fiction Award

Annual Awards for Unpublished Fiction in Any Style, Any Theme
Guidelines:

First Place Award: $1,100.
Editors' Choices: $100 each.

Maximum Length: 3,000 WORDS. Stories must be unpublished.
Annual Submission Period: Between Oct. 1 and April 30. (Postmark Deadline, April 30)

Award winning fiction writers are the judges.
No limit on number of stories entered by any one writer.
The winning short story and editors' choices will be published on www.writecorner.com and are eligible for inclusion in the permanent website writecorner.com anthology. (By submitting work to this contest, authors give permission to Writecorner Press to publish the award winning stories and editors' choices on the writecorner.com website. Authors retain all other rights to their works.)
How to Submit:

Send one (1) typed copy of the story with two (2) typed title pages. Only the title may appear on the first title page. No other kinds of identification may appear on this title page or on the manuscript which will used in judging. (Keep a copy. No manuscripts will be returned.)

On the second title page, list:
Title of the Story
Author's name, address, phone number
E-mail address optional
Short bio - about 4 lines

Entry Fee: $15 for a single story and $10 for each additional story.
No e-mail entries accepted.
Mail submission with check (no cash). If outside the USA, send a money order in US funds (no cash or foreign funds) to:

Koeppel Contest
P.O. Box 140310
Gainesville, FL 32614

P.L. Titus Scholarship:

If the winning story is by anyone attending college, university, or school when the story is submitted, the winner will receive, in addition to the $1,100 award, the $500 P.L. Titus Scholarship. (Proof of attendance is required.)

The submissions period for the 2013 Short Fiction Contest will open on February 1st.

2013 Guidelines
The contest is open to all writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Submissions must be 1200 words or fewer. There is no entry fee. Katharine Weber, the Richard L. Thomas Chair in Creative Writing at Kenyon College and author of five critically-acclaimed novels, including Triangle and True Confections, will be the final judge. The Kenyon Review will publish the winning short story in the Winter 2014 issue, and the author will be awarded a scholarship to attend the 2013 Writers Workshop, June 15th-22nd, in Gambier, Ohio.
Submission Guidelines

Writers must not have published a book of fiction at the time of submission. (We define a “published book of fiction” as a novel, novella or short story collection written by you and published by someone other than you in print, on the web, or in ebook format.)
Stories must be no more than 1200 words in length.
One submission per entrant.
Please do not simultaneously submit your contest entry to another magazine or contest.
Please do not submit work that has been previously published.
The submissions link will be active February 1st to February 28th. All work must be submitted through our electronic system. We cannot accept paper submissions.
Winners will be announced in the late spring. You will receive an e-mail notifying you of any decisions regarding your work.
The contest uses Submittable as a submissions system. If you don’t have an account with Submittable, you’ll need to create one. If you’ve used Submittable with other submissions, you can log-in and submit with your existing account.

johnmartz:

For the third consecutive year I designed the poster for the National Cartoonist Society Foundation’s Jay Kennedy Scholarship for Cartooning.

The deadline is fast approaching — applications must be postmarked by December 15th, 2012. Any North American student who will be in their junior or senior year of college or university during the 2013-2014 academic year is eligible. You do not have to be an art major. More information at www.cartoonistfoundation.org

This is a great opportunity for any student who draws comics, does animation, or dabbles in any sort of cartooning. Only a few days left to get your application in the mail!

The SALALM Scholarship has been established to encourage professional and leadership development in Latin American and Caribbean Studies academic librarianship. To be awarded biannually commencing in December 2011, the $1000 is for a master’s candidate in an archival studies or ALA-accredited library or information studies program.

Since its founding in 1956, the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials, or SALALM, has provided the only national and international forum focused on Latin American studies research librarianship, library collections and services. The SALALM Scholarship award will include a one-year membership in the organization.

Who Should Apply:

Applicants able to demonstrate a strong interest in Latin America, the Caribbean or their diaspora, and who have career aspirations involving service to academic users seeking information about, or researching topics involving the Latin American or Caribbean region, are urged to apply.

Interest may be demonstrated through previous work, internships, undergraduate or graduate-level study, involvement through volunteer programs with governmental, non- governmental or private sector organizations, and research and publication on topics relevant to the area. Competency in one of the area’s major languages is highly important.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be master’s degree candidates in ALA- accredited programs in library and information science or in archival studies (with equivalent accreditation where applicable) in the United States or Canada. Applicants must have successfully completed at least one quarter or semester of study and recipients must be enrolled students at the time the award is made.

Selection Criteria:
•Knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean
•Commitment to career in academic library and information science or related field
•Record of academic achievement
•Competency in one or more of the area’s languages

Application Materials:
•Completed application form Personal statement (500 word max.)
•Current résumé Letter of reference
•Unofficial transcript

Timeline:
•Deadline for applications: November 29, 2012
•Award to be announced: December 27, 2012
•Disbursement of scholarship: January 2013

I am stingy with my hard-earned money. So when I decide to donate to worthy organizations and causes you can be sure I feel confident my money will be used in a responsible manner, supporting causes that match my values and passions.

That is why I donate to Friends of YALSA every year. Like you, I am passionate about teens and teen library services. I actively seek out the ideas, inspiration, and motivation YALSA provides through blogs, listservs, publications, conferences, etc., etc. I also want to support my colleagues in their efforts to provide excellence for our young people. The grants, scholarships, and awards offered to members by YALSA enhance our entire profession.

I invite you to donate to Friends of YALSA along with me. Your support will be a positive influence for teens and those who serve them. Your money will indeed be used in a responsible manner as YALSA continues to give us the capacity to engage, serve and empower teens.

Please donate today. If we can raise $2000 by the end of August we will receive an additional $1000 from a generous donor. So each of your dollars will actually be worth $1.50!! What a great deal!!

Any amount is welcome, and it will only take a moment of your time to donate. The URL is: www.ala.org/yalsa/givetoyalsa/give

Thank you so much for your support.

THE YOUNKIN-RIVERA PRIZES FOR YOUNG WRITERS AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE

2011 Winners: Cam Best of Elmhurst, IL (Prose) Jacob Oet of Solon, OH (Poetry)
A nationwide competition for creative writers aged 15-18.

Entries accepted during the month of April in the genres of poetry and prose.

Prize in each category: $250 and a full tuition scholarship to the 2012 Young Writers Workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
To enter in poetry: send no more than 2 poems (limit of 25 lines each) per entrant, along with an entry fee of $5.

To enter in prose (fiction or essay): send one story or essay (no more 1000 words) per entrant, along with an entry fee of $5.

To enter in both poetry and prose: send no more than 2 poems (limit of 25 lines each) and one essay or story (of no more than 1000 words) per entrant, along with an entry fee of $10. Entries longer than the limits listed above will be returned, along with their entry fees.

Entrants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

All entries must be typed on white 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. Do not put your name on your entries. Include a separate cover sheet with the following information on it: your name, home address, phone number, e-mail address, date of birth, titles of your entries, and the name and address of your high school. Checks or money orders to cover the entry fee should be made out to SIUC, with "Young Writers Workshop" written in the check's memo line. Please do not send cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for contest results. No entries will be returned, so please keep copies of the work you send. No e-mail or faxed submissions will be accepted. Winners will be contacted via e-mail, so please make sure your current, working e-mail address is clearly typed on your cover sheet.

Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony during the annual Young Writers Workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a five-day, coed, residential creative writing workshop for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in developing their skills in the writing of poetry and prose.

If a prizewinner cannot attend the Workshop, the prize will not be awarded to that entrant. Travel costs to and from the Workshop are the responsibility of the winner. Previous award winners cannot enter again.

The Young Writers Workshop will be held in 2012 from June 19 to June 23, 2012.

To enter, send your submissions, postmarked from April 1 to April 30, 2012, to:

The Younkin-Rivera Prizes for Young Writers

Allison Joseph, Director

The Young Writers Workshop

Department of English

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Faner Hall 2380--Mail Code 4503

1000 Faner Drive

Carbondale, IL 62901

Questions only: aljoseph(at)siu.edu (replace (at) with @)

Winners will be announced at the end of May 2012.

The Whidbey Writers MFA Alumni Association Emerging Writers Getaway Contest, with a grand prize of a seven-day retreat at a fully furnished, rustic-luxury Smoky Mountain cabin in North Carolina, with daily continental breakfast ($2,000 value), plus a cash award of $300. Second and third place winners receive cash and other prizes. Submissions are welcome from February 15 through May 15, 2012.

Pulitzer Prize winner William Dietrich is the final judge. Top three finalists’ entries will be reviewed by Andrea Hurst Literary Management, for possible representation. The top twenty-five entries will each receive two critiques from members of the association. Winners will be announced on August 5, 2012. All profits from the contest will go towards creative writing student scholarships.

For official contest details, cabin photos and submissions, please go here.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Murphy Writing Seminars Present 19th Annual WINTER POETRY & PROSE GETAWAY
With Special Guest Stephen Dunn
January 13-16, 2012

Several scholarships are being offered for first-time participants of the 19th Annual WINTER POETRY & PROSE GETAWAY, January 13-16, 2012, at Seaview.

The Jan-ai Scholarship will sponsor two poets, writers or song writers between the ages of 18 - 30 who are residents of NJ, NY or PA. Deadline: December 1, 2011.

Winners may choose from workshops in poetry, including a special advanced section with Stephen Dunn, Beginning Your Novel, Children's Market, Writing and Publishing Your Fiction, Memoir, Creative Nonfiction and more.

The conference also includes talks, receptions, open mics, optional tutorials, a bookstore café, sunrise yoga and dancing at the Getaway Disco.

To learn more please visit our site.