Continuing Education
Friends Scholarship Continuing Education Application Form
The Fairfax Library Foundation's Friends Scholarship Fund provides several full or partial scholarships a year ranging from $150 to $1,000 to support the continuing education of individuals within the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) System. Applications are accepted and scholarships issued twice a year. Applications will be accepted with closing dates of June 15 and December 15 each year for events taking place six months before or after the closing date chosen.
All FCPL employees and volunteers are eligible to apply for scholarships. Funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient with the stipulation that copies of receipts of scholarship-related expenditures will be submitted to the Friends Scholarship Fund. Applicants may receive only one such scholarship a year, but may be considered for additional scholarships in future years. Scholarships will be awarded on a merit basis without regard to race, gender, religion, age, physical disability, or sexual orientation.
Scholarships may be used for registration; travel and related expenses to attend seminars, conferences, lectures, meetings, adult education classes, or college and university classes when not enrolled in a formal degree program. Attendance at such events must benefit the FCPL in a demonstrable fashion.
The characteristics factoring into the merit selection of an individual for a scholarship will include:
- Length of service
- Stated commitment to FCPL
- Stated value of the scholarship event to the organization and the individual.
The Friends Scholarship Fund was established to enhance the capability of the FCPL to deliver high quality service to the citizens of Fairfax County by assisting in the development of existing and potential future employees. If you can use such help, please consider completing an application.
Each individual’s application must be postmarked or received by either the June 15 or December 15 closing date. The application should be sent to the address below.
The Fairfax Library Foundation will review applications received for each closing date. Normally, you will be notified of the Foundation’s decision within approximately one month of the closing date. If you have any questions about any aspect of the application process, please contact:
, Executive Director
Attn: Continuing Education Scholarships
Fairfax County Public Library Foundation
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 329
Fairfax, VA 22035
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I attended a seminar on my own funds about two months ago. Can I apply after the fact and possibly receive a scholarship?
Yes. You may receive a scholarship for events taking place up to six months before the June 15 or December 15 closing dates.
If you do not receive a scholarship the first time you apply, you may reapply in the next 6-month period for that same event. However, only one re-application for an event is allowed.
2. I received a $100 scholarship from the Fairfax County Public Library Employees’ Association (FCPLEA) for an event that cost a good deal more. Can I ask for a Continuing Education scholarship also to help offset the cost?
Yes. Your request should specify the total cost and identify any other source of funds received.
3. I'm a volunteer at one of the library branches and would like to learn more about libraries in general by attending a nearby conference. Am I eligible to apply for reimbursement?
Yes.
4. I'm a Page and am interested in improving my language skills to more efficiently communicate with others at the Library. Could I apply for a scholarship to take an English class?
Yes. Be sure to identify the relationship between the class and how it is related to your work.
5. I conduct children’s programs and would like to attend a story-telling workshop to pick up some new ideas. It is local and costs $125. May I apply for a scholarship?
No. Since our minimum scholarship is $150, you should seek assistance from another source such as FCPLEA.
6. The event I need to attend is on December 16. Can I apply before the previous June 15 closing date for a scholarship for that event?
No. You would probably need to pay yourself and seek a scholarship by the closing date of December 15.
7. After the closing date, will I be notified whether I get a scholarship?
Yes. Normally, all applicants will be notified within three weeks of the closing date.
If your application for a scholarship has been approved, you will receive a check with your notice.
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Friends Scholarship Continuing Education Application Form
Academic Scholarships | 2008 Awardees