DLA

Scholarship History
Helen H. Bennett was Supervisor of School Libraries in the Delaware Department of Public Instruction. Mrs. Bennett was dedicated to the development and advancement of school library services and school librarians. She established a scholarship endowment and left her estate to the Delaware Library Association to support the training of professional librarians.

Amount
Varies

Eligibility
A student working for library certification, an ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library Science, or a Doctoral Degree. The successful recipient agrees to work in a library in Delaware and will be a member of the Delaware Library Association. Preference will be given to those who are seeking careers as school librarians.

Application Deadline
April 1 each year

Application Requirements

• Submit a completed application form: www.grantinterface.com
• Final transcripts from institutions awarding Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree (if applicable).  Transcripts do not need to be official.
• Proof of acceptance into a library certification program, an ALA-accredited graduate program, or a Doctoral program.
• Transcript of graduate courses already completed (if applicable).
• Applicant’s Affirmation of Intention to Work in a School-Oriented Library in Delaware (if applicable).
• Narrative statement (see application for details).

Contact
Email: scholarships@lib.de.us

Scholarship History
Grace Estelle Wheeless was a former president of the Delaware Library Association. The Grace Estelle Wheeless Scholarship was established in her honor, “…to aid Delaware students in library schools, or those who have completed college study but need assistance in earning their Master’s Degree.”

Amount
Varies

Eligibility
A student working for library certification, an ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library Science, or a Doctoral Degree.  The successful recipient will be a member of the Delaware Library Association.​

Application Deadline
April 1 each year

Application Requirements

• Submit a completed application form — https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ddlscholarships
• Final transcripts from institutions awarding Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree (if applicable).  Transcripts do not need to be official.
• Proof of acceptance into a library certification program, an ALA-accredited Master’s Degree program, or a Doctoral program.
• Transcript of graduate courses already completed (if applicable).
• Narrative statement (see application for details).

Contact
Email: scholarships@lib.de.us

Scholarship History
Established in 2006 in memory of Linda Walge, an avid Delaware library supporter, the Linda Walge Penman Scholarship is designed to encourage the development of future librarians and young authors and bring awareness of the varied opportunities in the fields of librarianship and writing. In addition to the scholarship award, the winning student receives the opportunity to attend the annual Delaware Library Association Conference.

Amount: $700

Eligibility: Any high school junior or senior attending school in Delaware with career aspirations in librarianship and/or writing.

Application Deadline: April 1 yearly

Application Requirements

• Completed application form — Linda Walge Penman Scholarship Application 2024
• 500-750 word essay demonstrating the ability to formulate a well-structured, convincing argument highlighting interests in the field(s) of librarianship and/or writing. The essay must be entirely the student’s own work.  It must be typed using standard-sized paper, a universal font (i.e. Times New Roman), and 12-14 point font.  Include the student’s name and contact information in the header of each essay page, and double-space the body of the essay.
• One letter of recommendation from a teacher.

Contact
Katie McDonough, Chair, DLA Scholarships, Awards & Citations Committee
Email: Katie.McDonough@lib.de.us