Lynne Stype Empowerment Grant

The deadline for submitting applications for this grant is December 15.  To apply click here: Lynne Stype Empowerment Grant Application

Lynne Stype, former MASL President, Mark Twain Award Chair and Co-Founder of the Children’s Literature Festival of the Ozarks, spent much of her professional career as the sole library media specialist in her building with no clerical support. Despite the demands the work made on Lynne and her family, she devoted many hours of service to professional associations. This grant recognizes Lynne Stype’s devotion to service and her dedicated interest in professional development and forwarding the cause of 21st century school libraries.

1. Acknowledges the challenges of administering and providing for the 21st century library media program.
2. Recognizes individuals whose extraordinary efforts follow Lynne Stype’s example of service to the profession.
3. Makes digital materials (eBooks and databases) more accessible to Missouri school libraries and classrooms.

1. Provides up to $1000 worth of digital content toward establishing a new or expanded school-based digital library program.
2. Based on recipient’s detailed plan for a media center-to-classroom.

1. Applicant:
   1. Is a current Missouri resident or currently employed in a Missouri school.
   2. Is a current member of the Missouri Association of School Librarians.
   3. Is not a past recipient of the Lynne Stype Grant.
   4. Has demonstrated prior participation in professional development by attending MASL conferences and/or workshops.
2. Applicant’s proposed usage of the digital collection must fall into one of three general categories: reading and literacy, curriculum-aligned nonfiction content, or professional development.
3. Applicant will provide a reference letter from their principal(s).  The letter will need to indicate support for the applicant’s vision in developing and using a digital library.
4. Applicant agrees to present a program disseminating activities/experiences at the next MASL Spring Conference.

1. The Scholarships, Grants & Recognitions Committee evaluates the applications.
2. Awards are determined using a blind review, scoring guide process.
3. In the event that one or more applicants receive the same number of points, the Chair of the Scholarships, Grants & Recognitions Committee will determine the recipient.
4. If submitted applications do not meet the stated criteria the Committee may recommend to the Council that no grant be awarded.
5. MASL honors the recipient(s) and a guest at the Spring Conference awards ceremony.
6. In the event that a grant recipient fails to meet criteria, they shall forfeit the grant. The Committee may then choose an alternate recipient.

1. Provide all required information on the application form. 
2. Please include a recent photo of yourself for publication purposes.
3. Please use Times New Roman 12 font with 1-inch page margins on all uploaded documents.
4. All applications must be received no later than close of business on December 15 (5:00 p.m. CST). 

Professional Information

• Currently Employed in a Missouri School?
• School District Name
• School Name(s) and Grade(s) Served
• Applicant’s Professional Contact Information (Address, phone and email)
• Work Experience Information (Such as a Resume)
• Currently a MASL Member?
• Have You Received a Lynne Stype Grant Before?
• If You Receive Grant, Do You Agree to Present a Program Disseminating Activities/Experiences at the Next MASL Spring Conference?