Spectrum Scholars share in the prestige and opportunities that become available when they are selected. Each scholar receives $5,000 from ALA to combat the rising cost of graduate education as well as $1,500 to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute held during the ALA Annual Conference. In addition to financial support recipients benefit from peer mentoring and a large alumni network. Critical for long-term impact, the program offers continuing education and professional development opportunities foundational to obtaining leadership positions within the profession.
As of 2010, there were over 2.1 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) under the age of 24 living in the U.S.
“Native youth are the future and the voice of our tribal nations, which means we need to be at the table creating change and opportunities for our people! The need for education and a college degree is more important than ever."