Ada Leigh Soles Memorial Professional Librarian and Archivist Incentive Program

Scholarship Overview: Scholarship for academically talented Delawareans to pursue careers as librarians and archivists in Delaware
Application Available: April 1, 2025
Deadline Date: June 1, 2025

Scholarship Details:

The purpose of this program is to enable and encourage academically talented Delawareans to pursue careers as librarians and archivists in Delaware.  The program is administered by the Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL).

Awards shall be provided for education in master’s degree programs of library and information studies that are accredited by the American Library Association.  Related degrees at ALA-accredited institutions will be considered. Preference shall be given to persons currently employed by a Delaware public library, county department of libraries, public school library, state agency library or archive, or a member library of the Delaware Library Consortium.

Awards may also be provided for study leading to bachelor’s and/or doctoral degrees. Awards shall be limited to persons who have been employed for a minimum of six months at a Delaware public library, county department of libraries, public school library, state agency library or archive, or a member library of the Delaware Library Consortium.  Employment must be current.

State agency libraries are included on the list of special libraries at https://lib.de.us/special-libraries/.

Academic record is considered.  Preference is given to students pursuing a Master’s Degree.

HOW TO APPLY – Applications can be submitted to scholarships@lib.de.us between April 1 and June 1.   Visit https://guides.lib.de.us/profdev or see below for application documents.

 

Application Requirements: Essay, Transcript

Award Amount: Full Tuition + mandatory fees + other costs

Award Details:

DISBURSEMENT TIMEFRAME
Award notifications are sent via email in August. Awards cover full tuition and mandatory fees for fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters.  Awards also cover books and one laptop; however, books and the laptop must be invoiced by the school. 
As soon as you receive a tuition bill, send a copy to DDL at scholarships@lib.de.us.  You can also send copies of invoices for books and/or a laptop that you purchased through your school. All payments will be sent directly to your school.  Please consult their financial aid office to learn about their reimbursement process.                                                             

Website/URL: https://guides.lib.de.us/profdev

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Name: Katie McDonough, Chair, DLA Scholarships, Awards & Citations Committee
Contact Email: katie.mcdonough@lib.de.us

Additional Scholarship Information:

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please email scholarships@lib.de.us with any questions.  

Filters:

Eligibility: Member Organization (Personal/Relative)
Areas of Study: Humanities, Museums & Libraries
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Senior, College Student, Workforce
Location Specific: Delaware