REFORMA Scholarships for J.C.L.C., 2012
REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, is granting five (5) $500 scholarships for members to attend the 2nd National Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (J.C.L.C.) scheduled for September 19 – 23, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. For more news, program, housing & registration, exhibits & sponsors, and information, point your browser to http://jclc-conference.org.
The purpose of this scholarship is to help defray the costs for REFORMA members to attend the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (J.C.L.C.), and to spur attendance at a time when many librarians are basing their professional development decisions solely on their finances. The scholarship monies can be used to cover registration fees, transportation, lodging, and meals. The selection committee will evaluate applicants based on how they negotiate two protocols: 1.) Applicants must complete the contact information portion listed below; 2.) Applicants must write a brief statement articulating their financial hardship, or delineating the reasons this scholarship will benefit their professional development.
Established in 1971 as an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA), REFORMA has actively sought to promote the development of library collections to include Spanish-language and Latino oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff; the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population with regard to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving the interests of Latinos. Nationally, there are 26 REFORMA chapters. For more information on REFORMA, please visit www.reforma.org.
Moreover, REFORMA strongly supports the work and efforts of A.L.A. Spectrum scholars. The A.L.A. Spectrum scholarship specifically addresses the underrepresentation of librarians of color within the current workforce. To this end, over 700 students from traditionally underrepresented groups have received scholarships, leadership training, professional networking and mentoring in order to build a pool of talented and trained library leaders reflective of the populations served by all libraries. If you would like to join this extraordinary group and you are committed to serving your community, a Spectrum Scholarship can position you for success.
Scholarship recipients will be expected to attend the entire conference, attend workshops, author events, exhibits, network with colleagues from throughout the country, and have fun. The deadline to submit scholarship application is Monday, May 7, 2012. Scholarship recipients will be announced on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Scholarship applications should be sent electronically to Salvador Avila, J.C.L.C. Scholarship Committee Chair at avilas@lvccld.org or by phone at (702) 507-3770. For questions of comments, please contact Salvador at the aforementioned email or via phone.