By Hannah Amos

Throughout her term as 2025-2026 ALA national president, Pam Ray has encouraged Auxiliary members to invest in the future by supporting the Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund. That investment is already making a lasting impact.

The Spirit of Youth Scholarship fund directly invests in the ALA’s future by providing support for Junior members and non traditional students attending higher education. 

For example, each department awards one recipient a $1,000 scholarship. From the 52 scholarship winners, the national Education Committee then selects five awardees — one per ALA division — to receive a $5,000 scholarship. 


Our Juniors earn these scholarships through their character and leadership, along with their academic achievement. 

Go here to learn more about the Spirit of Youth scholarship eligibility and application process. 

Investing in the future and supporting our members as they embark on a journey of learning and growth helps them to become not only the best ALA members they can be, but to develop into strong individuals. 

Education changes lives — not only of the students — but their communities. The positive impact education can bring is why Ray named the Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund as the ALA’s 2025-2026 national fundraising focus. 

The Auxiliary always has and always will be a strong advocate for education — from ALA Girls State/Nation to being directly in the classroom — scholarships are just one category in our arsenal of support. 

In 2025, factoring in both private and federal loans, the average student loan debt was $42,673 per borrower with it taking up to 20 years to pay off, if not longer.

The greatest defense students can take is applying for scholarships. Thanks to generous donors, the national fundraising focus has already raised more than $37,000, which will directly impact our members.

To continue to maintain these support systems, every donation counts to help scholarship recipients achieve their dreams.

With National Convention just around the corner and the 2025-2026 administrative year coming to a close, there’s still time to bolster the national fundraising focus. 

There are various ways to give and show your care for the Spirit of Youth Scholarship. You can make a donation online here or mail checks to 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228.

When we invest in education, we invest in the future. Together, we are creating opportunities that will benefit students, families, and communities for years to come.

Help us continue building opportunities through the Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund by making your gift today.