Paul Evan Peters Scholarship CNI awards $5,000 (PhD) or $2,500 (Master’s) to U.S. students in information science or librarianship. Eligible applicants must attend an ALA-accredited or iSchools member program.
| Scholarship Name | Paul Evan Peters Scholarship |
|---|
| Awarding Body | Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) |
| Award Amount | – Doctoral Students: $5,000/year (renewable for 2 years) – Master’s Students: $2,500/year (renewable for 2 years) |
| Award Frequency | Biennial (every two years) |
| Eligibility | – U.S. citizens or permanent residents – Enrolled or entering a master’s/doctoral program in information science, librarianship, or related fields – Programs must be ALA-accredited or members of iSchools iCaucus |
| Application Requirements | – 300-500 word essay – Curriculum vitae or resume – Two recommendation letters |
| Recent Recipients (2024-26) | – Doctoral: Adam A. Berkowitz – Master’s: Sofía Isabel Crespo Maldonado |
| More Information | https://www.cni.org/ |
The Paul Evan Peters Scholarship is a biennial (every two years) award designed to support graduate students who want to redefine the way we interact with digital knowledge.
It honors Paul Evan Peters (1947–1996), a pioneer in digital scholarship and the founding executive director of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI).
This isn’t just another academic scholarship—it’s a chance to join a legacy of innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact.
Scholarship Amount
- Doctoral Students: $5,000 per year (renewable for up to two years).
- Master’s Students: $2,500 per year (renewable for up to two years).
Award Frequency: Every two years (so don’t miss the application window!)
Are You Eligible?
This scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering or already enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in:
- Information Science
- Library & Information Studies
- Other digital technology-related fields
Your program must be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) or part of the iSchools iCaucus network.
Who Can’t Apply?
- If you work for CNI, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), or EDUCAUSE, or if you’re closely related to someone who does, you’re unfortunately ineligible.
How to Apply?
You’ll need to put together a solid application package. Here’s what they’re looking for:
A 300–500 word personal statement
- What drives you?
- What impact do you want to make in digital information and technology?
- How does this scholarship help you get there?
Your resume or CV
Highlight your education, research, and any relevant work experience.
Two letters of recommendation
These should come from professors, mentors, or professionals who can vouch for your skills and potential.
Where & When to Apply
This scholarship is offered every two years, so check the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) website for the latest deadlines and submission details.
Meet the Most Recent Scholars
The 2024–26 scholarship went to:
Doctoral Student: Adam A. Berkowitz
Master’s Student: Sofía Isabel Crespo Maldonado
Let’s be real: grad school is expensive—and funding opportunities like this don’t come around every day.
If you see yourself making a difference in data science, AI-driven research, digital archiving, or library science, this scholarship was made for you.
