E J Josey Scholarship Award Committee of the Black Caucus 2026–2027: Eligibility, Award and How to Apply
The E. J. Josey Scholarship Award, offered by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), supports African American students pursuing graduate studies in library and information science. The scholarship honors Dr. E. J. Josey, a prominent librarian and advocate for diversity and professional development in the library field.
The program is intended for students enrolled in, or accepted by, graduate programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). It is a specialized scholarship for future library and information science professionals, rather than a general undergraduate or international scholarship.
Scholarship Overview
Scholarship name: E. J. Josey Scholarship Award
Provider: Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA)
Award amount: Recent listings show $5,000
Number of awards: Two scholarships are listed in the recent program information
Study level: Graduate
Field of study: Library and Information Science
Eligible citizenship: United States or Canada
Listed deadline for 2027: January 20, 2027
- Official website: Black Caucus of the American Library Association
Deadline reminder: The official BCALA page available for the 2025–2026 cycle lists a January 20, 2026 deadline. A scholarship directory lists January 20, 2027 for the next cycle, but applicants should verify the 2026–2027 details and application form directly with BCALA.
About the E. J. Josey Scholarship
The E. J. Josey Scholarship is administered by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, an organization that advocates for the development and improvement of library services and resources for African American communities. BCALA also supports the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians.
The scholarship is named after Dr. E. J. Josey, whose work helped advance diversity and equity within the library and information science profession. The award aims to support students preparing for careers in this field by providing financial assistance for graduate education.
Recent BCALA information describes the Dr. E. J. Josey Scholarship and the Ms. Effie Lee Morris Scholarship as unrestricted grants for eligible graduate students. The awards may support students at different stages of their library and information science studies, subject to the program’s current requirements.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship offers financial support to eligible graduate students.
Financial Award
Recent listings identify the scholarship as worth $5,000. BCALA’s latest available 2025–2026 announcement states that two scholarships of $5,000 each were to be awarded through the Dr. E. J. Josey and Ms. Effie Lee Morris awards. Applicants should confirm the award amount for the current cycle.
Support for Graduate Education
The scholarship is intended to help students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information science. Recipients can use the award to support their educational expenses, subject to the scholarship’s terms.
Professional Development
The award contributes to the broader goal of developing future librarians and information professionals. BCALA’s work focuses on improving library services and encouraging the participation and advancement of African American professionals in the field.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the official requirements. The core eligibility criteria listed by BCALA include:
Be an African American citizen of the United States or Canada.
Be enrolled in, or accepted by, an ALA-accredited graduate program.
Be pursuing a graduate degree in library and information science.
Submit the required written essay or video essay.
Follow the application instructions and deadline for the relevant scholarship cycle.
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The scholarship is specifically designed for graduate students in library and information science. It is not generally open to students pursuing unrelated fields of study.
Is the E. J. Josey Scholarship Open to Nigerian Students?
The E. J. Josey Scholarship is not generally open to Nigerian students applying from Nigeria.
According to the published eligibility criteria, applicants must be African American citizens of the United States or Canada and enrolled in, or accepted by, an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information science. Nigerian citizenship alone does not meet these requirements.
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Nigerian students interested in graduate study in library and information science should consider scholarships that specifically accept international applicants and confirm the citizenship rules before applying.
Application Requirements
BCALA’s recent scholarship call requires applicants to submit an application and an essay in one of two formats.
Written Essay
Applicants choosing the written essay option should follow the current prompt and formatting instructions. The 2025–2026 application required a three-page essay that was typed and double-spaced, with a minimum of three to five bibliographical references.
Video Essay
Applicants may also submit a video essay. The 2025–2026 instructions specified a video lasting five to seven minutes and requested bibliographical references. Applicants submitting through another platform were advised to ensure that reviewers could access the video.
Important: The essay topic and reference requirements may change each year. Use the current application instructions rather than relying on an earlier prompt.
How to Apply for the E. J. Josey Scholarship
Eligible students can use the following general process:
Confirm eligibility: Check your citizenship status and confirm that your graduate program is ALA-accredited.
Review the current scholarship call: Visit BCALA’s official website and locate the latest scholarship announcement.
Read the essay prompt: Make sure your submission directly addresses the topic for the current cycle.
Prepare your essay: Choose the written or video format allowed by the application.
Include required references: Follow the bibliography and citation instructions.
Complete the application form: Provide all requested information accurately.
Submit before the deadline: Confirm that your application and essay have been received.
Official Application Website
Applicants should begin with the official BCALA website:
Visit the Black Caucus of the American Library Association
The official 2025–2026 scholarship announcement included an application form. The next cycle’s form and essay prompt should be checked directly through BCALA.
Application Deadline
The scholarship directory currently lists January 20, 2027, as the deadline for the 2026–2027 E. J. Josey Scholarship Award. However, the latest official BCALA announcement located for this article covers the 2025–2026 cycle and lists January 20, 2026.
Applicants should verify the 2027 deadline with BCALA before preparing or submitting an application, as dates, essay topics, and award details may change.
Selection Process
Applicants are expected to submit a complete application and an essay that follows the current instructions. The scholarship committee evaluates submissions according to its established criteria.
A strong submission should:
Respond clearly and directly to the essay prompt.
Present a well-organized argument or reflection.
Use credible references where required.
Demonstrate careful writing and attention to the instructions.
Be submitted in the requested format and before the deadline.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an award. Applicants should ensure that their submissions are complete and meet the scholarship committee’s expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E. J. Josey Scholarship Award?
It is a scholarship offered by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association to support African American students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information science.
How much is the scholarship worth?
Recent scholarship listings show an award of $5,000. Applicants should verify the amount for the current cycle.
Who is eligible to apply?
African American citizens of the United States or Canada who are enrolled in, or accepted by, an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information science.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Students applying from Nigeria are generally not eligible because the published citizenship requirements specify United States or Canadian citizens.
Is an essay required?
Yes. The recent BCALA application accepted either a written essay or a video essay. The current application should be checked for the updated topic and submission requirements.
What is the deadline for 2027?
A scholarship directory lists January 20, 2027. Applicants should confirm this date through BCALA’s official website.
Where can I find the application?
Visit the official BCALA website and look for the current scholarship announcement and application form.
Final Thoughts
The E. J. Josey Scholarship Award is a specialized opportunity for African American graduate students pursuing careers in library and information science. Through its financial award and commitment to professional development, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association helps support the next generation of librarians and information professionals.
Applicants should confirm their eligibility, carefully review the current essay prompt, and verify the deadline through BCALA before submitting an application. For students living in Nigeria, this scholarship is generally not an eligible option, but other international graduate scholarships may be available.
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