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CHICAGO – The South Carolina Association of School Librarians’ (SCASL) “Emerging Leaders” program is the recipient of the 2019 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the $1,750 grant is given to AASL-affiliated school library associations for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local levels.

Open to school librarians with five years or less experience in the profession, SCASL’s year-long program will launch with an introductory session at the organization’s 2019 annual conference. Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with new and experienced school librarians in South Carolina and SCASL board members. Participants will also be encouraged to join SCASL-affiliated networks in their area of the state.

Professional development will include building capacity for leadership in a participant’s school and district as well as an in-depth look at SCASL’s role, mission, and opportunities to become an active part of the organization. The program will conclude at the 2020 annual conference where participants will present during a preconference session and assume mentorship of the next group of Emerging Leaders. Program graduates will also serve on a SCASL committee and apply their new leadership skills by designing a webinar, planning a district/regional training, or organizing an EdCamp.

“SCASL’s ‘Emerging Leaders’ program is an innovative and practical approach to engage early career librarians to develop leadership skills and participate in leadership roles,” said Michael-Brian Ogawa, award committee chair. “The program will support long-term capacity building and can serve as a model for other associations looking to develop early career librarians as leaders. We are excited to learn about their successes. Congratulations to SCASL!”

The AASL award winners will be honored at the AASL Awards Ceremony during the 2019 91��ý Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The ceremony will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. All are welcome to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers during this recognition event.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.