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CHICAGO – The South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) is the recipient of the 2023 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the $1,750 grant is given to an AASL Chapter for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local level.

SCASL’s program “AMP UP!” will extend their emerging leaders program with advocacy preparation and training. SCASL president, Tamara Cox, notes “in the current climate, this generation of leaders must have the legislative background, communication skills, and confidence to face challenges head-on. The AMPED UP version of EL training will help them prepare.”

“The committee appreciated the chapter’s ability to take a successful emerging leaders program and respond and adapt to the challenges facing school librarian leaders,” said Laura Ward, award committee chair. “The SCASL AMP UP! program will not only offer advocacy and legislative training for application immediately, but they are developing a leadership path in their state for years to come.”

The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant will enable SCASL to create a year-long program that will:

• Help participants understand the SCASL mission and the purpose of the various committees.
• Educate participants about school, district, regional, and state-level leadership opportunities.
• Prepare participants to advocate for school libraries.
• Provide opportunities for participants to advocate at the state level.
• Build leadership skills for future involvement in SCASL committees and the executive board.

“AASL’s state chapters are the ground force for school librarians,” said AASL President Kathy Lester. “This program is much more than advocacy training, this is a fully integrated and executed program to ensure SCASL is a strong advocate for school librarians, school libraries and learners for years to come. Congratulations to SCASL and thank you for offering such an important road map for other states to follow.”

The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2023 AASL National Conference taking place October 19-21 in Tampa, Florida.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.