Applications Open for 2015 FTRF Conable Conference Scholarship
Posted March 10, 2015
CHICAGO–Applications are now open for the 2015 Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship, sponsored by the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF). The Conable Conference Scholarship provides funding for an LIS student or recent graduate to attend the American Library Association’s Annual Conference. The 2015 ALA Annual Conference will be held June 25-30 in San Francisco, California.
The goal of the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship is to advance two principles that Conable held dear: intellectual freedom and mentorship.
The scholarship provides for conference registration, transportation, and housing for six nights, along with a $300 stipend for meals and other expenses. In return, the recipient will be expected to attend FTRF and other intellectual freedom meetings and events at the conference, consult with a mentor/board member, and provide a report about their experiences. The recipient also will receive a one-year FTRF membership and will be invited, although not required, to provide daily updates about his or her experience on the Freedom to Read Foundation blog.
The deadline for submitting an application for the 2015 Conable Conference Scholarship is Friday, April 3, 2015; the award will be announced by the first week in May.
Who is eligible: Students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited LIS degree program or an AASL-recognized master’s program in school librarianship and new professionals (those who are three or fewer years removed from receiving a library school degree) are eligible to receive the Conable Conference Scholarship. Those interested must submit an application that includes two references and an essay detailing their interest in intellectual freedom issues. Applicants also are required to attach a résumé. If the recipient has already registered for ALA’s Annual Conference, he or she will have the conference fee refunded.
To apply for the Conable Conference Scholarship, visit www.ftrf.org/?Conable_