CLA Scholarship For BIPOC Students in Memory of Edna Yelland

Scholarship Sponsored by California Library Association

Description
**Purpose**: The CLA Scholarship for BIPOC Students in Memory of Edna Yelland supports graduate students pursuing library or information studies and promotes improved library services for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in California. The award recognizes candidates who demonstrate commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities and advancing equity in libraries. Up to three scholarships are selected each year and recipients are publicly honored at the California Library Association (CLA) annual conference.

Key takeaways
- Awarded to MLIS/Information Studies graduate students committed to BIPOC library services.
- Honors and recognizes recipients at the CLA annual conference.
- Up to three scholarships are granted annually.

Eligibility
**Residency & citizenship**: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents and permanent residents of California.
**Academic enrollment**: Candidates must be enrolled in an ALA-accredited master’s program in library and information science or information studies and have completed at least one graduate course.
**Identity & intent**: Applicants must identify as a member of a qualifying BIPOC group and state an intention to work in a California library after graduation. They must also describe their financial need and be available for a possible interview.

Key takeaways
- U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are California residents only.
- Enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLIS/Info Studies program with at least one course completed.
- Must self-identify as BIPOC, intend to work in California, disclose financial need, and be interview-available.

Award value and benefits
**Monetary award**: Recipients receive a monetary scholarship to offset graduate education costs.
**Additional benefits**: Each award includes a one-year CLA student membership and public recognition at the CLA conference.
**Current award counts**: The program typically supports up to three recipients each year.

Key takeaways
- Scholarship includes a cash award (current value awarded per recipient), CLA student membership, and conference recognition.
- Up to three recipients supported annually.
- Financial support is intended to help with graduate-level expenses.

How to apply
**Submission method**: Complete the online CLA application form and upload the required documents.
**Required documents**: Provide a record of graduate courses completed, an explanation of current financial situation (confidential), a list of scholarships/aid applied for or received, education history, employment and volunteer history, and two professional references.
**Essay & file naming**: Submit a single essay (≤1,000 words) addressing specified prompts about community work, addressing inequality, desired MLIS skills, and how the scholarship will support BIPOC communities. Label supplementary files as: Yelland_yourlast name_document (e.g., Yelland_smith_document).

Key takeaways
- Apply via the CLA online form and upload supporting documents.
- Required materials include course records, financial statement, education and work history, references, and a focused ≤1,000-word essay.
- Confidential financial details are accepted; follow the specified file-naming convention.

Application timeline
**Annual cycle**: The scholarship is awarded on an annual cycle. Application windows and deadlines vary by year and are posted on the CLA website.
**Review & notification**: Applications are reviewed by the Edna Yelland Scholarship Committee; applicants may be invited for oral interviews. Recipients are typically announced and honored at the CLA annual conference.

Key takeaways
- Scholarship runs on an annual schedule—check CLA for current deadlines.
- Committee review may include interviews for selected applicants.
- Winners are generally announced at the CLA annual conference.

Selection committee
**Committee composition**: The program is administered by the Edna Yelland Scholarship Committee, chaired by a CLA representative and composed of library professionals from across California. Current committee leadership includes Sofia Araya (Chair) and members Mahasin Abuwi Aleem, Ziba Perez, and Melvin Racelis.
**Selection process**: The committee evaluates written applications against eligibility, demonstrated commitment to BIPOC communities, academic progress, and financial need; it may invite finalists for interviews as part of the selection process.

Key takeaways
- Selection is handled by the Edna Yelland Scholarship Committee of library professionals.
- Committee evaluates eligibility, community impact, academic progress, and need.
- Finalists may be interviewed prior to award decisions.

Funding and donations
**How the scholarship is funded**: The scholarship is supported through CLA’s Edna Yelland Scholarship Fund and sustained by donations. Contributions are tax-deductible.
**How to give**: Donors can contribute by check or money order mailed to the CLA office or via CLA’s online donation form. The CLA acknowledges significant supporters, such as the Friends of the Castro Valley Library.

Key takeaways
- Funded through CLA’s dedicated Edna Yelland Scholarship Fund.
- Donations are tax-deductible and can be submitted by mail or online.
- CLA publicly recognizes major contributors to the fund.

Further information and policies
**Administrative notes**: The committee reserves the right to withhold awards if no qualified candidates are found and may adjust award amounts depending on available funds and applicant need. Due to application volume, the committee is not able to provide individual feedback.
**Post-award requirements**: Award recipients will be asked to submit a photograph for publicity purposes.

Key takeaways
- The committee may not issue awards if suitable candidates are absent.
- Award amounts can vary with funding and demonstrated need.
- No individual application feedback is provided; recipients must supply a photo.

History of the award and Edna Yelland
**Career highlights**: Edna Yelland graduated from the California State Library School, earned a County Librarians Certificate, and served as librarian in Tuolumne and San Mateo counties. She later led the Cutting Branch of the Richmond Public Library and served as executive secretary of the California Library Association from 1947 to 1963.
**Legacy**: The scholarship honors her long service to the profession and her efforts to promote the association’s goals by supporting BIPOC graduate students entering library and information careers.

Key takeaways
- Named for Edna Yelland, a long-serving CLA executive secretary and public librarian.
- The award memorializes her advocacy for the association and the profession.
- It supports a new generation of library professionals committed to serving BIPOC communities.