Spring application deadlines are approaching for various opportunities, including the chance for a public library to have a high school summer intern, a budding reporter to be part of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps, and an Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) member to receive a scholarship to the annual National Institute.

PLA Internship for High Schoolers

The Public Library Association (PLA) Inclusive Internship Initiative, piloted last year, will return for the summer of 2018. The program—which offers 50 high school juniors and seniors paid, mentored internships at public libraries—is designed to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to careers in librarianship. Each intern will experience all aspects of the library working life, including administration, programming, and user services. Each will  also complete a connected-learning project for their host library. The PLA is now accepting applications from any library (regardless of PLA membership). Small, rural, and tribal libraries are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is March 25. For more information or to apply: apply.ala.org/plinterns.

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ALSC Institute Scholarship

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Friends of ALSC will provide three scholarships for the 2018 ALSC National Institute in Cincinnati, September 27–29. The scholarships cover the registration fee and include a $1,000 travel stipend. Applicants must be ALSC members (student members are eligible) who work directly with children in a library setting. The application deadline is May 9. The Friends of ALSC awarded two scholarships in the past. The group added a third this year for a North Carolina member who identifies as LGBTQAI+ to support the community after the cancellation of the 2016 ALSC National Institute because of the state’s discriminatory legislation. For more information or to apply: ala.org/alsc/institutescholarship.

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IMLS Community development grant

Libraries, museums, archives, universities, and nonprofit organizations with experience in library, museum, or archives projects, as well as community development work, can now apply for an Activating Community Opportunities Using Museums/Libraries as Assets grant. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grants will range from $25,000 to $150,000. A one-to-one cost share is required. The grant is part of IMLS’s Community Catalyst Initiative, which examines how libraries, archives, and museums work collaboratively with communities to improve community well-being. The application deadline is May 14. In addition to the IMLS funding, grant recipients may be considered for technical assistance through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Building Blocks: Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Areas and Supporting Equitable Development program. For more information to to apply: imls.gov/grants/available/activating-community-opportunities-using-museums-libraries-assets-national.

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Scholastic News Kids Press Corps

Kids, ages 10 to 14, with an interest in journalism can apply to be part of the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps for the 2018–19 school year. Applications must be received by May 31. During the 2017–2018 program year, 44 kid reporters covered news, entertainment, and sports stories around the world. Their articles and video interviews are available on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website, as well as in select issues of Scholastic Classroom Magazines. For more information and the application: scholastic.com/kidspress.