NJLA Scholarship Application 2026-2027

The New Jersey Library Association is committed to growing and advancing library professionals in the state of New Jersey. To demonstrate this commitment, NJLA provides scholarships to students attending or accepted to attend ALA-accredited LIS graduate schools. Applicants must live or work in the state of New Jersey. The Scholarship Subcommittee seeks to recognize LIS students who demonstrate academic achievement, vision, innovation, and the potential for leadership.

To consider your application, the NJLA Scholarship Committee will require a completed online application with supporting materials (listed below) submitted no later than 5 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026. All supporting materials must be provided digitally. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all requested materials are received by the stated deadline.

Supporting materials to be submitted in addition to the online application:

A resume or CV that includes your work and education history, along with any internships or volunteer work.
Transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended (undergraduate and graduate). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and encouraged.
A 500 word personal essay
Two letters of recommendation. Share the link provided in the application with two individuals within your professional, business, or educational history who can comment specifically on your work ethic, academic achievement, innovation, and leadership potential. Applicants should ensure their recommender submits the form before the application deadline.

Please follow the file naming conventions provided on the online application when uploading supporting material.

All applicants must agree to be available for a virtual interview on Thursday, April 9 or Friday, April 10, 2026.

The scholarship award will be $3000 per awardee. Each recipient will also be recognized at the 2027 NJLA Annual Conference where they will be able to attend for free. All scholarship winners are also encouraged to participate and be of service to NJLA.

In partnership with the New Jersey State Library and LibraryLinkNJ, NJLA will be awarding Equity Scholarships of $8,500 each beginning in the Fall semester (September 2026) through the Winter/Spring semester (January 2027). These awards intend to increase equity and diversity in the recruitment and retention of library workers in the state of New Jersey who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, and/or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

To be eligible for the Equity Scholarship, applicant must:

Identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, and/or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
Be enrolled in an accredited program beginning no later than September 1 or Fall Semester with full or part-time status
Plan to maintain a minimum course load of two classes per semester while receiving NJLA Equity Scholarship funding
Live or work in New Jersey

Deadline March 13, 2026 at 5 PM.

To apply for either or both scholarship opportunities, please fill out this application.

Any questions can be directed to the NJLA Scholarship Committee at scholarships@njla.org

Your Full Name*

First NameLast Name

Current Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Permanent Address (if different from Current Address)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Email Address*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Where did you hear about the scholarship?*

What graduate school are you attending, or what LIS program have you been accepted to attend?*

How many credits have you completed?*

Full time or part time?*

Full timePart time

When do you anticipate graduating? Please include month and year.*

Please indicate if you will receive a Master's degree or a Doctorate Degree.*

Please list ALL undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, most recent first. Please include the years attended, degree, major, and GPA.*

Are you currently employed?*

YesNo

Where do you work?*

What is your job title?*

When did you start working there?*

Have you previously received a New Jersey Library Association scholarship? (Previous applicants and recipients are eligible to reapply. Preference will be given to first-time applicants).*

Do you agree to be available for a virtual interview on Thursday, April 9th or Friday, April 10th, 2026?*

I agreeI'm unavailable

Submit an essay of up to 500 words explaining your choice of librarianship as a profession. Remember, our review criteria seeks applicants who can demonstrate academic achievement, innovation, passion for the field, and leadership potential. Please name your file with: Lastname_FirstName_Essay*

Submit a resume or CV. Please name your file: Lastname_Firstname_resume*

Submit transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended. Transcripts may be unofficial. Please name your file Lastname_Firstname_transcript*

Share the link to the form below with two individuals within your professional, business, or educational history who can comment specifically on your work ethic, academic achievement, innovation, and leadership potential. Applicants should ensure their recommender submits the form before the application deadline.

Link to Recommendation Form

URL: https://form.jotform.com/260116423091143

Would you like to be considered for the NJLA Equity Scholarships?*

YesNo

In partnership with the New Jersey State Library and LibraryLinkNJ, NJLA is poised to increase equity and diversity in the recruitment and retention of library workers in the state of New Jersey who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, and/or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

The NJLA Equity Scholarships will be $8,500 each are available for one-time, non-renewable tuition for one year beginning in the Fall semester (September 2026) through the Winter/Spring semester (January 2027). Each recipient will be recognized at the 2027 NJLA Annual Conference where they will be able to attend for free.

To be eligible for an NJLA Equity Scholarship, you shall:

Identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
Be enrolled in an accredited program beginning no later than September 1 or Fall Semester with full or part-time status
Plan to maintain a minimum course load of two classes per semester while receiving NJLA EDI Scholarship funding
Live or work in New Jersey

Additional benefits include:

Access to NJ’s life-long learning network, professional development opportunities, and community building efforts
Two-year complimentary membership in NJLA
Professional development, training, and support from partners in the library ecosystem, particularly in relation to topics of equity, diversity, and inclusion
Complimentary NJLA Conference registration for two years

Please confirm you live or work in New Jersey.*

I live or work in NJI do not

Please indicate the eligible group with which you identify.*