Thirteen iSchool master's students have been named 2022-2023 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services. Since 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program has promoted diversity among graduate-level students pursuing degrees in library and information studies through ALA-accredited programs.
This year's scholars were selected based on their commitment to community building, leadership potential, and planned contributions to making social justice as part of everyday work in LIS. The highly competitive scholarship program received four times as many applications as there were available scholarships.
The Spectrum Scholarship recipients at Illinois are:
- Megha Bamola
- Carrieann Cahall (Tuliao Scholar)
- Sanobar Chagani
- Estefania Eiquihua
- Rebeca Escamilla
- Aliya Estes (Orange Scholar)
- Zhaneille Green (iASSIST Scholar)
- Inbar Michael
- Wardah Mohammed
- Marycruz Flores Reynoso
- Daynali Flores Rodriguez (ProQuest Scholar)
- Erica N. Rodriguez (ALSC Scholar)
- Faria Zafer (Gordon Scholar)
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 scholars will receive a tuition waiver from the iSchool and 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 iSchool at Illinois continues to be a top destination for the ALA Spectrum Scholars," said Emma Kopko, assistant director for recruitment and admissions. "These students come from all over the country and bring with them a passion for library and information science as well as dedication to diversifying the field. We are proud to welcome the next group of talented future information professionals into our community and are excited to help them develop their skills and abilities to make meaningful change in the library profession."