SLIS students receive ALA, ARL scholarships

Congratulations to MLIS students Aizle Nyn Bernardo, recipient of both the American Library Association (ALA) Spectrum Scholarship and the Associations of Research Libraries (ARL) Kaleidoscope Program Scholarship, and to Joey Takeda, who received the Kaleidoscope Program Scholarship! 

“These awards hold deep personal meaning for me, signifying not just my achievements but also the recognition of my unique perspectives and experiences within the field of libraries, archives, and information studies. Receiving these scholarships is a testament to the commitment of organizations like the ALA and the ARL to diversity, equity, and inclusion which are the same commitments and values I include in everything that I do,” Bernardo said.

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to BIPOC students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and ALA. The ARL Kaleidoscope Program is a two-year commitment that aims to prepare BIPOC graduate students for purposeful and consequential careers in research libraries and archives through enriched leadership development and community building opportunities.

“I hope to work towards an inclusive future for our professions and society at large. Just as I have received tremendous support from the University of Alberta School of Library and Information Studies Community, I also want to positively contribute to communities and society as a whole throughout my career,” Bernardo said. 

“These opportunities would provide me with invaluable support, mentorship, and resources that would assist me in working towards my aspiration of being an advocate for change. I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation for the institutions, individuals, and groups that make amazing things like this happen. Thank you very much for your support and for continuously inspiring me!”