Academic Scholarships
Friends Scholarship Academic Application Form
Friends Scholarship Recommendation Form
The Fairfax Library Foundation's Friends Scholarship Fund provides several academic scholarships each year, depending on the availability of funds. The awards are for $3,000 plus a special Edwin S. Clay, III award in the amount of $3,500. They are merit-based scholarships for students pursuing a Masters degree in Library Science at an American Library Association (ALA) accredited school.
The eligibility requirements for an Academic Scholarship are:
- Live, work, volunteer or attend school within Fairfax County, Virginia
- Enrollment or acceptance by an ALA accredited library school.
The major factors considered in making scholarships are:
- Evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship, preferably within Fairfax County, Virginia,
- Potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession
- Academic excellence.
Scholarships will be awarded on a merit basis without regard to race, gender, religion, age, physical disability, or sexual orientation.
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.
Your application must be postmarked or received by April 15. You should send the application to the address below.
The Library Foundation will review applications that are postmarked or received by the closing date. You will be notified of the Foundation’s decision by May 30. If you have any questions about any aspect of the application process, please contact:
, Executive Director
Attn: Academic Scholarships Fairfax Library Foundation
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 324
Fairfax, VA 22035
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will be awarded?
$3,000 per scholarship will be awarded and $3,500 for the Edwin S. Clay, III award.
2. How many scholarships will be awarded?
The number will depend on the availability of funds.
The Foundation is not required to select a recipient if none of the applicants' submissions merit the award in a given year.
3. What eligibility criteria will be considered?
Priority will be given to individuals involved with the Fairfax County Public Library System, such as Friends group members, volunteers and employees.
Individual merit, not need-based.
A short essay expressing interest in a Library Science career will be critical to the selection process.
Individuals must live, work, volunteer or attend school within Fairfax County.
4. If I receive a scholarship, may I reapply for another?
Yes, you may reapply for additional scholarships.
5. What proof of Library Science enrollment is required?
Current enrollment or possession of a letter of acceptance to an American Library Association (ALA) accredited school for a Masters degree in Library Science.
6. What is the payment policy?
Payment will be made directly to the school.
A transcript must be furnished to the Friends Scholarship Fund upon completion of the term.
To view the forms below, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. To obtain a free Reader, follow this link:
Friends Scholarship Academic Application Form
Friends Scholarship Recommendation Form
Continuing Education | 2008 Awardees