We will award up to twelve full scholarships to teachers and librarians who wish to attend our annual Seminar.
We seek a diverse group of individuals who are making a positive impact upon readers in their communities, and we hope that participation in our literary community will inspire fresh engagement with literature in schools and libraries around the country.
Scholarship recipients will gain exposure to contemporary authors and texts, expand their professional network of teachers, librarians, and writers, and be inspired to bring new ideas to the institutions and communities they serve. Through tours of the Key West Public Library and its archives and visits to historical sites, they will engage with the local resources and history that animate the KWLS mission.
Scholarship packages include a full waiver of the Seminar registration fee of $825 and need-based financial assistance to offset lodging costs. Upon request, we will also provide a letter to your employer encouraging financial support for your travel expenses. We are committed to making it possible for every accepted scholarship winner to be able to afford coming to Key West, so please do not hesitate to apply.
Priority will be given to those who have not previously received KWLS support.
Important Dates:
Applications for the 2024 Teacher & Librarian Scholarships are now closed.
Eligibility:
Scholarships are available to all teachers and librarians in the United States. We seek a diverse group of individuals who are making a positive impact upon readers in their communities.
Apply:
How to Apply
Applicants must complete a scholarship application via Submittable. Requirements are listed below:
1. Request Letter:
Please tell us about your work as a teacher or librarian in 750 words or less. A successful request letter will describe your institution, the community it serves, and your role within it; address the theme and/or speakers for the upcoming Seminar; and explain how you hope your attendance at the Seminar will benefit you and your community. Please also tell us something about your financial need, and whether or not you would be able to attend KWLS without our support.
2. Letter of Recommendation:
One letter of recommendation is required. It may be written by a supervisor, former student, patron, or peer. An effective letter will describe your strengths as a teacher or librarian and the impact you have made on others in your community and/or institution.
In the application form, you will be asked to provide an email address for your recommender. Once you submit the application, they will receive an email from Submittable with a link to upload the recommendation letter. We suggest that you contact your recommender before you submit your application and alert them to expect this email.
Applications without a letter of recommendation will not be considered. It is your responsibility to follow up with your recommender to make sure the letter has been sent.
3. References:
Please provide the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of two additional persons who are familiar with you and your work.
Testimonials

