Deadline to apply is March 1, 2023
Now Open!
Released Monday, December 19, 2022.
January 1, with a deadline of March 1, 2023. The scholarship will be awarded to a student expected to attend a graduate-level library science program in fall 2023. The application process is managed by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
Applicants interested in being considered for the Amanda Green Scholarship fund must first complete the online application on the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s website.
About
The Amanda Green Scholarship, named after a former library assistant in Teen Services at KPL, promotes the library profession to people of color. By providing monetary assistance to individuals seeking a master’s degree from an accredited library science program, the library hopes to promote the training and hiring of more librarians of color in Kalamazoo and other communities.
In 2016, the Kalamazoo Public Library board passed a resolution that reaffirms the library’s commitment to, “address equal justice under the law, racial justice and institutional racism, social-economic divisions in our community and human dignity for all through our programs, services, policies, practices and the empowerment of staff to serve our community with these values as priorities.” In addition, the library’s 2019–22 strategic plan establishes Advancing Equity and Inclusion as a priority with the goal of developing and maintaining an informed and compassionate library staff that reflects the makeup of our diverse community. KPL is committed to making this a reality!
Amanda Green worked at KPL for 23 years (1988–2012.) Many of those years she spent in Teen Services working to give all teens the opportunity to improve their lives. Her passion and support of KPL’s mission to support and mentor teens have been passed on for years.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals wishing to apply for the scholarship must fulfill the following qualifications:
- A resident of Kalamazoo County or graduate of a Kalamazoo County High School, College/University
- Earned an undergraduate degree or will be earning one within a year of applying
- Graduate school enrollment status will be at least part-time
- The field of study pursued is Library and Information Sciences in a school that is accredited by the American Library Association
- Person of color
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria used to identify the most qualified applicant are as follows, in order of priority:
- Personal interview
- Letter(s) of reference (recommended one letter from undergraduate career)
- Essay response
- Library work history
- Noteworthy achievements; awards; recognitions; community activities
Award Amount
Applicant(s) will be awarded $5000 per semester if attending as a full-time student and $2500 per semester if attending as a part-time student. The size of the award can be determined in part by the funds available.
Duration of Award
The scholarship award provides funding for a maximum of four years (two for full-time and four for part-time) as long as the applicant maintains the above eligibility criteria. The scholarship is not obligated to be renewed if there aren’t sufficient spendable funds available.
Renewal Criteria
After the initial award cycle (two for full-time and four for part-time), if an applicant has not graduated, they can submit a renewal application and submit their grades from the previous school year. Applicants must also maintain the above eligibility criteria.
Application Procedures
The online grant application will be available on January 1 of each year. The application can be found online at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation website. The application period ends on March 1 of each year.
The following information should be included with the application:
- Proof of undergraduate degree by transcript
- Two or more letters of reference
For more information, visit the Amanda Green Scholarship Fund website.