PLA Innovations in Literacy Scholarships

PLA Innovations in Literacy Scholarships
Application Deadline: March 29 Online (by 11:59pm Central)

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 PLA 2014 Conference 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
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.