For immediate release | March 12, 2020

Spectrum Scholarship Program launches apparel fundraiser

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CHICAGO -- The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±app’s () Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS) launched a merchandise today for the Spectrum Scholarship Program. All proceeds raised from the sale of merchandise will go to support critical funding, dynamic community building, and direct opportunities to collectively advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in the library/information science field through Spectrum.

With input from the Spectrum Scholar community, ODLOS created three items to offer through Custom Ink - a hoodie, raglan shirt, and t-shirt - in a range of styles and sizes. The designs highlight Spectrum’s recognizable branding and the program’s motto, “Success Through Community”. Individuals can also choose to add a donation to their order upon checkout, providing an additional boost to their support.

“When I became a Spectrum Scholar I found friendship, family, and support. I became part of a group that is changing the face of librarianship working towards a future in which we reflect the communities that we serve, a future where our communities are seeing people who look like them in their libraries and know that they will be understood and their needs met. Help us continue the work that was started over 20 years ago, help us change the lives of future scholars, help us continue to change the face of librarianship. Your support will make a difference for everyone,” said Isabel Soto-Luna, Chair of the Spectrum Giving Back Circle and a 2017 Spectrum Scholar.

Visit through April 2, 2020 to participate. If you are interested in donating only, please visit .

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and . Through Spectrum, the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±app affirms its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of new generations of racially and ethnically diverse librarians to position to provide leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services. To learn more about the Spectrum Scholarship Program, please contact the Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5020 or visit .

Contact:

Briana Jarnagin

Program Coordinator, Community Engagement

Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS)

bjarnagin@ala.org