Bibliotecas Para La Gente (BPLG) provides up to $3,000 for scholarships for a new or a continuing  Masters of Library and Information Graduate Student who has demonstrated an interest in furthering the goals of BPLG in providing library service to the Spanish-speaking and Latino communities.

Apply

• Complete the online application (in order to access the application form, you may have to create a Google account if you do not already have one)

Eligibility Requirements:

• The candidate must provide evidence of cultural competency in the Latino community.  Candidates can document cultural awareness through education, job and/or community experience in the essay or through reference letters.

OR

• The candidate must provide evidence of Spanish language proficiency. Candidates can document language proficiency through job and/or community experience in the essay or through reference letters.

Application Requirements:

• A 2-3 page personal statement describing your work and/or volunteer experience with a Latino and/or Spanish speaking community. Also, include the following:

  1. Describe the information needs of these communities in Northern California and explain how you can contribute to addressing those needs.

  2. Demonstrate technological awareness by suggesting ways technology can be used to provide effective services to the Latino community.

  3. Include a description of any leadership role in work or volunteer experience.

  4. How do you plan to further the goals of BPLG in providing library service to Spanish-speaking and Latino communities?

• Short Bio (150 words max):  Include key background information such as professional experience, notable achievements, current role, and any relevant personal details you would like highlighted.

• Recommendation letter: One letter from a person who is aware of your work and/or community service and your desire to work in the library (may submit up to three letters of recommendation if desired). The recommender need not be a library employee.

• A recent resume that includes all library and related community service work.

• *New students* must document application to the MLIS program through an acceptance letter and include their most recent college transcript. 

Additional Requirements:

• The MLIS scholarship is limited to those residing/and or working in northern California to include the following counties: Alpine, Calaveras, Amador, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey. 

• Applicants will present a copy of identification with residence address, a letter from an employer, or a copy of a recently postmarked piece of mail containing their name and address.

• The scholarship recipient will attend a BPLG meeting for formal recognition.

• If you have any questions, please contact Kenny Garcia, kengarcia@csumb.edu.

Scholarship Distribution Details : First disbursement of $1,500 will be given upon receipt of Spring/ Summer Grades ( mid August) and final disbursement of $1,500 will be given upon receipt of Fall grades (late December). Or a full distribution of $3,000 if completing the program in Spring or Summer of the same year.