Five master's students have been named 2019-2020 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services. Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program promotes diversity among graduate-level students pursuing degrees in library and information studies through ALA-accredited programs. The highly competitive scholarship program received three times as many applications as there were available scholarships. Scholars were selected based on their commitment to equity and inclusion, demonstrated community outreach, commitment to the library profession, academic achievements, and leadership potential.
The Spectrum Scholarship recipients at Illinois are:
- Nada Abdelrahim
- Lauren Camarillo
- Priscilla Resendiz
- Diana Rocha
- Kevin Whiteneir
Each scholar receives $5,000 to assist with educational costs as well as more than $1,500 to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute held during the ALA Annual Conference. In addition, the iSchool matches this diversity scholarship by providing each recipient with a tuition waiver. Illinois residents receive a grant from the Sylvia Murphy Williams Fund, given by the Illinois Library Association. Other benefits include continuing education and professional development opportunities, peer mentoring, and access to a large alumni network.
"The School is thrilled to continue our strong partnership with the ALA Spectrum Scholarship Program," said Moises Orozco Villicaña, director of enrollment management. "We look forward to increasing the awareness of these scholarship opportunities to existing and future students at the School. We strive to be a leader and unwavering partner in efforts to diversify the field of librarianship."