91´«Ã½

Eight recipients of the PLA Innovations in Literacy Scholarship were awarded $1,000 for registration and travel to the PLA 2014 Conference in Indianapolis, March 11–15. This scholarship was funded by a generous donation from the Cambria Estate Winery, which has a strong tradition of supporting literacy initiatives. The winners were:

• Nancee Dahms-Stinson, Springfield-Greene County (Mo.) Library District; early literacy
• Ana Devine, Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, Ill.; summer outreach to at-risk children
• Diana Garcia, Monterey Park (Calif.)- Bruggemeyer Library; youth literacy for children of parents with limited English proficiency
• Greg Hill, Noel Wien Library, Fairbanks, Alaska; targeted fourth-grade boy reading program
• Sarah Lawton, Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, Vt.; youth digital and media literacy
• Yolanda Medina, Richardson (Tex.) Public Library; adult literacy for Hispanics
• Barbara Roberts, Pelham (Ala.) Public Library; financial literacy
• Aaron Stefanich, Grand Forks (N.D.) Public Library; S.T.E.M. (Scientific, Technological, Engineering, and Mathematical) literacy

Winning applicants demonstrated literacy programs that were unique and inventive and that resulted in a measurable impact on the community the library serves. Programs in early literacy, adult literacy, digital literacy, transliteracy, information literacy, financial literacy, etc., were considered.

PLA is no longer accepting applications for the Innovations in Literacy Scholarship. Applications were due by 11:50 PM Central on March 29, 2013. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 15, 2013, and winners will be announced at the PLA President’s Program and Awards Presentation at the 2013 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago, June 30.

The PLA Innovations in Literacy Scholarships will recognize innovative literacy programs of all types in public libraries. Eight $1,000 travel grants will be awarded to winning applicants to be used for registration and travel to the in Indianapolis. Winning literacy programs should be unique and inventive and must have had measurable impact on the community the library serves. Programs in early literacy, adult literacy, digital literacy, transliteracy, information literacy, financial literacy, etc., will all be considered. Scholarships are supported by a generous donation from the Cambria Estate Winery, which has a strong tradition of supporting literacy initiatives.

-->Criteria

Applications must describe the public library's innovative achievement in literacy programming and identify the name of the staff person who will receive the scholarship to attend PLA 2014 and (if different) the library staff member who will serve as the contact with PLA.

The purpose of the scholarship is to highlight innovative literacy programs in public libraries; literacy is defined broadly. Programs in early literacy, adult literacy, digital literacy, transliteracy, information literacy, financial literacy, etc., are all appropriate for consideration. Candidates must submit an online application describing the public library's achievement in creative literacy programming for the community, how it increased the use of or improved awareness of the public library, and the applicant’s role in developing or implementing the program. Programs should be unique and cutting-edge and have a measurable impact on the library's clientele. Applications will be judged on the following:

• Innovation and creativity
• Collaborative efforts of the staff and community in the planning and implementation process
• Measurements of success in the community based on usage, program attendance, or greater community awareness
• Sustainability of the program over time
• Program can be replicated by other public libraries
• Quality and appropriateness of submitted materials (supporting documents may be included)

Applicants from public libraries of any size are eligible. Eight applicants will be selected for their work on the library’s literacy program. The library’s literacy program will be identified in media/publicity pieces. No award shall be given if the applicants do not meet the award criteria.

Application Rules

Applications were due by 11:59 PM Central on March 29, 2013.

-->Scholarship applicants must be employees of the libraries where the literacy programming is/was held. Only one applicant per library/library system is eligible; multiple scholarships to the same library or library system will not be awarded.

Applicants will be notified of their status by May 15, 2013. Scholarship winners must submit the completed scholarship agreement form no later than June 1, 2013. Funds will be disbursed Fall 2013.

Scholarship winners will be announced at the PLA President’s Program and Awards Presentation at the 2013 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago, June 30. Winners will be recognized, but attendance is not required at the 2013 awards ceremony. PLA will not provide travel funding to the 91´«Ã½ 2013 Annual Conference.

Winning applicants must agree to allow PLA and Cambria Estates Winery to publicize the winning programs.

-->How to Apply

We recommend you preview the application before applying. Complete the online application by 11:59 PM Central on March 29, 2013.

-->