CSLA AWARDS, GRANTS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS
CSLA and the CSL Foundation are excited to provide many opportunities for our members to receive recognition and funds for their current contributions to the field of school librarianship. See current CSLA opportunities below, or head to the Foundation's Grants page to learn about even more opportunities.
CSLA Awards
This award honors administrators with direct responsibility for a school or group of schools who have made influential, unique and sustained contributions to effective school library programs.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
Advocate for School Libraries Award
This award honors a person or group (not currently employed in the school library) who has advocated for school libraries within the past year.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
Honorary Membership Award
This award recognizes members of CSLA who have made outstanding contributions to school library programs and the Association over a sustained period of time.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
I Love My Classified Library Staff Award
This award recognizes a person who has made a positive impact for at least three years in a school library in a classified position.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
Presidents' Award
This award honors a credentialed teacher librarian who, through the library program, directly affects students and teachers. Nominees must be CSLA members who work at the site level. Nominations may be made by library peers, administrators, teachers, or by the nominee himself or herself.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
This award honors a teacher librarian who uses technology as a tool for learning and collaborates to promote the integration of technology in the curriculum. This award is sponsored by Mackin Educational Resources and includes $1,000 for use in the winner's library.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
Technology Award
Sponsored by:
CSLA Scholarship Applications
Darlene Dunn Memorial Teacher Librarian Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes the need for teacher librarians who reflect the diversity of California's multicultural, multilingual population. Applicants must be from a traditionally underrepresented group and be enrolled in an accredited teacher librarian credential program. One scholarship of $1,500 will be given.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
Darlene Dunn Memorial Classified Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes the need for classified school library staff who reflect the diversity of California's multicultural, multilingual population. Applicants must be from a traditionally underrepresented group and be enrolled in a community college program for school library technical service certification. One scholarship of $1,000 will be given.
Application opens September 24th
Deadline for submissions October 24th
Northern Region Scholarships
NR Jewell Gardiner Memorial Fund Scholarship
The California School Library Association, Northern Region offers a scholarship in the amount of $1,500 in the memory of Jewel Gardiner. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist those persons who are currently enrolled in a Teacher Librarian Credential Program OR a Classified Certificate program OR library staff who want to attend the annual conference. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist with concurrently enrolled courses or attendance to the CSLA Conference. Complete only one application. Winners will be selected from the eligible applications received.
Application is currently open
Deadline for submissions October 24th
Southern Region Scholarships
SR Teacher Librarian Scholarship
Recognizing that there is a need for professional Teacher Librarians, the California School Library Association, Southern Region, offers one (1) scholarship in the amount of $2,500. The purpose is to assist those persons seeking preparation leading toward a degree or credential that will qualify the individual to work as a professional in the school library field in a school setting. Complete only one application. One winner will be selected from the eligible applications received.
SR Classified Conference Scholarship
Nominate a CSLA member to receive $1000 toward attending the 2026 CSLA Annual Conference in Irvine California. The conference will begin January 29th and conclude February 1st, 2026.
The applications will be evaluated on goals for personal professional knowledge linked to conference and creative ways to share the ideas gathered at conference. Priority will be given to applicants who have not attended a prior CSLA conference.
CSL Foundation Scholarships & Grants
CSLA is grateful for the efforts of the CSL Foundation, who provide generous award opportunities to our members.
Educating Our Communities Grants
The purpose of CSLF is to support school libraries in California. Grants are available to school libraries in California and/or related institutions in partnership with libraries for the purpose of educating communities about school libraries. See the Educating or Communities Grant Guidelines.
Disaster Fund Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support school libraries that are in need due to natural disasters such as, but not limited to, wildfires, fires, flooding, landslide, smoke or earthquake damage. The CSLF School Library Natural Disasters Grant is offered to any current CSLA member whose California employment is at a school library that has been greatly affected by a natural disaster.
Earlene Billing First-Timer Travel Grant
This grant awards $350 for a teacher librarian or classified library staff to attend the CSLA Conference for the first time. The grant money may be applied to conference registration fees, transportation, and lodging.
CSLF Bernier Scholarship
In remembrance of Rosemarie Bernier, California School Library Foundation is offering a $1500 scholarship to a student who is pursuing a Teacher Librarian Services credential.
Instructional Media Resource Associate Program(IMRA) Grant
The purpose of this grantor $150.00 is to provide funds for a classified member of our organization to participate in the Instructional Media Resource Associate program (through the San Diego Office of Education) which is offered in conjunction with the CSLA annual conference January 29-February 2, 2026.
