ALA Christopher J. Hoy/ERT Scholarship

While eligibility criteria may be subject to change, here are some common requirements for the ALA Christopher J. Hoy/ERT Scholarship:

• Enrollment in an ALA-accredited master’s degree program: Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into a master’s degree program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). This typically refers to library and information science programs.
• U.S. or Canadian citizenship: The scholarship is open to U.S. and Canadian citizens. International students may not be eligible.
• Commitment to working in a rural library: The scholarship program gives preference to students who express a strong commitment to working in a rural library setting after completing their degree.
• Academic achievement: Applicants should have a strong academic record, usually demonstrated through a competitive GPA. The specific minimum GPA requirement may vary each year.
• Leadership potential and involvement: The ALA values applicants who have demonstrated leadership potential, community involvement, and a commitment to the library profession. Applicants are expected to showcase their leadership experiences, extracurricular activities, and any relevant professional involvement.
• Essay and letters of recommendation: Applicants are typically required to submit essays that outline their career goals, commitment to rural librarianship, and how the scholarship will support their education. Letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or library professionals who can speak to the applicant’s potential and commitment may also be required.
• Financial need: The scholarship program may consider financial need as a factor in the selection process. Applicants may be required to submit financial information to demonstrate their need for financial assistance.