At this time, we are no longer accepting applications since all funds have been dispersed. However, applicants from the state of Washington may still apply through our partner school, Antioch University Seattle. Contact Dr. Christie Kaaland (ckaaland@antiochseattle.edu) for details.
Funded by IMLS
In July 2007, the School Library & Information Technologies Graduate Department of Mansfield University was awarded a prestigious Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant for $997,388. This is the fourth federal IMLS grant for scholarship support that Mansfield has received. The funds will be used to offer graduate scholarships to qualified teachers in order for recipients to earn a Master of Education in School Library & Information Technologies degree and to become certified school library media specialists.
Additionally, an online library advocacy program for school administrators will be funded for administrators recruited by the scholarship recipients. The concept behind the grant is to build partnerships between trained school library media specialists and informed building principals to develop or revitalize quality school library programs. The scholarship program addresses the critical shortages of school library professionals today, particularly among male and ethnically diverse populations.
Purpose of the Building Leaders Grant
The major objectives of the IMLS Building Leaders Scholarship Grant Program are:
To address the critical shortages of adequately trained and prepared school library media specialists,
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To increase the number of critically needed school librarians with emphasis on recruiting for diversity and gender equity,
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To increase the number of certified school library media specialists working in high need communities, defined as poor, rural, or inner city,
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To assist teachers who wish to earn school library media certification who face significant barriers of financial need and proximity to a library science university, and,
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To create school library advocates among building and district level administrators
Scholarships Implemented Jan. 2008 through Dec. 2010
Building Leaders Scholarship funds have been allocated to approximately 70 students. Mansfield University is no longer accepting applications since all funds have been dispersed. However, applicants from the state of Washington may still apply through our partner school Antioch University Seattle. Contact Dr. Christie Kaaland (ckaaland@antiochseattle.edu) for details.
The Building Leaders Scholarship students will be expected to complete the Master of Education in School Library & Information Technologies degree and earn school library certification either in Pennsylvania or their home state. Building Leaders scholarships are automatically renewed each semester until the student graduates or the program ends December 31, 2010. All scholarship students must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester and be in good financial standing with Mansfield’s Office of Student Accounts (details described on the Criteria page).
As part of the scholarship review process, scholarship applicants earn additional points if they recruit a principal or other school administrator to take the free online program, School Library Advocacy for Administrators. It will be offered in July 2008 and Fall 2008 or Spring 2009, and administrators may choose which session in which to enroll. Upon completion, the administrator will receive a check for $500 for professional development for his or her school to improve the school’s library program.
