Begun Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by California Library Association

Description
**Purpose and focus**
The Begun Scholarship honors the memory of librarian Betty Begun and supports students continuing graduate library education who are committed to working as children’s or young adult librarians in California public libraries. It is intended to help launch careers specifically in public youth services rather than school librarianship. The scholarship emphasizes practical commitment and demonstrated coursework in youth services as part of the selection criteria.

Key takeaways
- Named for Betty Begun; supports public youth services librarianship in California.
- Intended for continuing library school students focused on children’s or YA public librarianship.
- Excludes applicants planning to become school librarians.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are permanent California residents and enrolled as continuing students in an ALA‑accredited (or actively seeking accreditation) master’s program in library and information science or information studies. Candidates must complete all core coursework by the end of the current academic year and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to serving as a children’s or young adult librarian in a California public library.

Key takeaways
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are permanent California residents.
- Enrolled in an ALA‑accredited MLIS/MLS or equivalent program (or seeking accreditation).
- Core coursework completed by end of current year and minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- Commitment to public youth services (school librarianship applicants are not eligible).

Award value and benefits
**What the recipient receives**
One scholarship is awarded each year (maximum of one recipient). The award includes a $3,000 cash scholarship, a one‑year student membership in the California Library Association (CLA), and public recognition at the CLA annual conference. Recipients are encouraged to join the CLA Mentoring Program to support their transition into youth services work.

Key takeaways
- Single annual scholarship; only one recipient per year.
- $3,000 cash award plus one‑year CLA student membership.
- Honored at the CLA annual conference and encouraged to enroll in CLA Mentoring Program.

Application requirements
**Materials to submit**
Applicants must provide an official record of master’s‑level courses completed to date (does not have to be a transcript), a coursework summary related to youth services (max 500 words), two letters of recommendation dedicated to this scholarship (one should be from a library school professor), a résumé (max two pages), a short biographical statement (max 125 words), and a statement of intent describing interest and commitment to youth services (max 1,000 words). Recommendation letters that are not specific to the Begun Scholarship will not be considered. Adhere to the stated word and page limits for each submission item.

Key takeaways
- Required: course record, youth‑services coursework summary, two dedicated recommendations, résumé, bio, and a statement of intent.
- One letter should be from a library school professor; recommendation letters must be scholarship‑specific.
- Respect all word and page limits listed for each item.

Deadline and submission
**How to submit and timing**
All application materials and supporting documents must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the posted submission deadline; late or incomplete files are not accepted. Applicants should follow the submission instructions provided by the California Library Association on the scholarship application page. Keep copies of everything you submit and confirm receipt if a confirmation option is offered.

Key takeaways
- Materials must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the published deadline.
- Submit according to CLA application instructions; late or incomplete applications are disqualified.
- Retain copies and obtain confirmation of receipt when possible.

Selection process and committee
**How decisions are made**
The Begun Scholarship Committee—appointed by CLA—reviews applications and makes the award decision. The committee reserves the right not to award the scholarship if no qualified candidate is identified. In the event of a tie, the top candidates will be interviewed in person or by conference call; the committee does not provide feedback on submitted applications.

Key takeaways
- Selection by the CLA Begun Scholarship Committee.
- Committee may choose not to award if no suitable applicant is found.
- Ties are resolved by interviews; no application feedback is provided.

Additional recipient requirements
**Post‑award items and publicity**
Award recipients will be asked to supply a photograph for use in CLA publicity and will be publicly recognized at the CLA annual conference. Recipients are encouraged (but not required) to participate in the CLA Mentoring Program to support their professional development. Any media or publicity will follow CLA guidelines.

Key takeaways
- Recipients must provide a photo for publicity.
- Public recognition takes place at the CLA annual conference.
- Participation in CLA Mentoring Program is encouraged.

Fundraising and tax information
**How the fund is supported**
The scholarship is financed through the CLA Begun Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the fund are tax‑deductible because CLA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Donors can send checks or money orders to the CLA office or use the association’s online donation form to support future scholarships.

Key takeaways
- Funded by the CLA Begun Scholarship Fund.
- CLA is a 501(c)(3); donations are tax‑deductible.
- Donations accepted by check/money order to the CLA office or via the online donation form.

Contact and further information
**Who to contact with questions**
For application questions, contact the Begun Scholarship Committee Chair, Raina Tuakoi. For donation or fund administration inquiries, contact the CLA Executive Director. Refer to the CLA website or the scholarship application materials for the most current submission instructions and deadline details.

Key takeaways
- Contact the Begun Scholarship Committee Chair, Raina Tuakoi, for application questions.
- Contact the CLA Executive Director for donation or fund administration questions.
- Always consult the CLA scholarship page for current instructions and deadlines.

History of the award
**Origins and mission**
The Begun Scholarship was established to honor Betty Begun, a former librarian whose legacy inspires investment in youth services librarianship. Its mission is to encourage and financially support an emerging generation of librarians dedicated to serving children and young adults in California public libraries. The scholarship aligns financial assistance with professional development and community engagement in youth library services.

Key takeaways
- Created in memory of librarian Betty Begun.
- Aims to support and encourage future children’s and YA public librarians in California.
- Links financial aid with professional development and public recognition.