Prairielands supports career development by offering continuing education scholarships to staff in member libraries. Scholarships are offered on both a quarterly ($400) and annual ($1200) basis for any appropriate training, workshop, or seminar, including annual events such as MLA, ITEM, Children’s Literature conference, etc. Staff of member libraries may apply for one quarterly scholarship per quarter of Prairieland’s fiscal year in addition to one annual scholarship. Scholarships may not be combined for use at the same event. The fiscal year quarters are:
- Quarter 1, July – September
- Quarter 2, October – December
- Quarter 3, January – March
- Quarter 4, April – June
All scholarships reimburse expenses related to the continuing education program. An eligible expense might include a registration fee, lodging, mileage, per-diem meals, etc. Paid receipts will be required. Check with Prairielands for expenses that differ from these examples.
Please note: Scholarship funding cannot be used towards memberships, subscriptions, or on-going purchases.
Recipients are required to share their experience with other Prairielands members by submitting a report of at least 500 words through our online form.
Reimbursement forms for all scholarships are attached to approval letters.
Travel Expense Policy High-Cost Localities Applicant Checklist
Quarterly Scholarships: $400
Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Report
Annual Scholarships: $1200
Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Report
Scholarship Reports:
Association for Rural and Small Libraries by Calla Jarvie/Rock County Community Library
Thanks to the grant from Prairielands, I was able to [...]
MLA 2025 by Sara Oldre/ISD #518 Prairie Elementary & Intermediate School
I attended the MLA Conference in Rochester, MN on Oct. [...]
Association for Rural & Small Libraries Conference by Carrie Dose/ Jackson County
I attended the Association for Rural & Small Libraries Conference [...]
ALA Conference: Calla Jarvie; Rock County Community Library
I was able to attend the American Library Association annual [...]
Practicum through MSU: Mankato; Lori Gunnik; Pipestone Area Schools
I was able to successfully complete my practicum, thanks to [...]
Working Effectivly with Difficult People: Bethany Vazquez, Jackson Public Library
I really enjoyed this training and learned a lot of [...]
