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Fulfilling the Promise Graduate
School Library Scholarships

"Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program"

An Institute of Museum and Library Services Federal Grant Award

Fulfilling the Promise Homepage

New Applications

We are no longer accepting applications for full FTP scholarships. However, we will award a small number of one-time $1,000 awards for the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters. Click here for details.

Background

For an unprecedented fifth time the SL&IT program has received funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Fulfilling the Promise provides $999,940 for 48 scholarships and operating funds to recruit new school library leaders into the profession. Partners consist of the Chicago Public Schools and the New York City Department of Education. The three-year project, beginning spring 2011, highlights three goals:

  • Recruit and graduate 48 new certified school librarians

  • Improve persistence and academic success through active mentorship

  • Highlight leadership throughout the curriculum

Fulfilling the Promise

Fulfilling the Promise addresses a severe shortage of certified, highly qualified school librarians while developing leaders who will give back to the larger educational community. Scholarships will reduce MU tuition by 50 or 75 percent. The 75% awards are available only to students in the districts of our two partners, the Chicago and New York City public school systems. All other students will receive a 50% tuition reduction award. Scholarship funds may be used through the Fall 2013 semester when the three-year IMLS grant program ends.

Scholarship Criteria

Scholarship recipients must be certified teachers enrolled in the School Library & Information Technologies program as degree plus certification seeking graduate students. Candidates will be judged on the degree to which they meet the following criteria and the quality and content of a one to two-page essay. Candidates do not have to meet every criterion.

  • Uncertified School Librarians

  • Diversity in the Profession– Ethnic and Male

  • Under-served Geographic Communities

  • Distance from a Library Science University

  • Principal/Administrator Partnership (enrollment in Advocacy course)

Leveraging School Libraries to Improve Student Learning

  • Five week summer program

  • Intended for school principals/administrators

  • Focus on practical ideas to build support for school library programs

  • Techniques and guidelines for evaluating a school library program

Mentors

Systematic mentorship represents a major addition to the SL&IT student support system. Mentors will provide advice and guidance for their assigned scholarship student. At a minimum, mentors will:

  • Be certified/licensed as a school librarian

  • Have at least three years experience as a school librarian

  • Be active in local, state, or national library or education organizations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For additional information follow the link above (or on the side menu) to view our FAQ. For questions contact the SL&IT Department Chair, Cindy Keller.

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IMLS


Advisers

Cindy Keller
717-816-6995

Larry Schankman
570-404-4695


Advocate

Deb Kachel


Tech Support

Desire2Learn

MU Help Desk
570-662-4357


SL&IT Secretary

Jill Scott
570-662-4790
570-662-4334 (Fax)