District 8

District 8 makes funding available to District members for participation in activities including the TLA Annual Conference, TLA Launch, and the TALL Texans Leadership Institute. The purpose of funding is to encourage participation in TLA, the TLA Annual Conference, and other District 8 activities.

Apply for the 2026 TLA Annual Conference Stipend provided by District 8

Requirements

Applicants must be TLA and District 8 members. Applicants will be expected to complete the provided application and meet the expectations of the stipend award.

Evaluation Criteria

Specific evaluation criteria may vary by award. However, stipend applications will be generally evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Applicant demonstrates interest in professional development.
• Applicant shows a commitment to libraries and their missions.
• Applicant has good written communication skills and expresses herself/himself well.
• Applicant will continue with TLA involvement following TLA Annual Conference by volunteering at the District 8 fall conference or volunteering as an officer in the following nomination cycle.

Timeline

Below is a general timeline for typical District 8 award cycles. The timeline is subject to change based on the needs of the District and the timing of the specific event each year. For specific deadlines, please refer to TLA Engage or contact the Chair for more information.

• TLA Annual Conference Stipend: Applications for TLA Annual Conference open in January and are due by the end of February. Awardee(s) will be notified by mid- to late-March.
• TLA Launch Stipend: Applications for TLA Launch open in early April and are due by mid-May. Awardee(s) will be notified by the end of May.
• TALL Texans Leadership Institute Stipend: Applications for TALL Texans open in early April and are due by early August. Awardee(s) will be notified by mid- to late-August.

Funds

While every effort will be made to provide recipients with the highest award amount possible, the District reserves the right to provide partial funding based on the number of applicants for a particular program and/or on budgetary limitations. Prior service to the District may entitle an applicant to a higher award amount.

Upon notification of award, the District chair will contact TLA to arrange for a stipend to cover professional development registration fees or travel costs.

 

Applications for the District 8 2026 TLA Annual Conference Stipend are due by midnight on Sunday, February 1, 2026. 

If you have any questions about the stipends or application process, please contact District 8 chair, Virginia Osborne, or past chair Celeste Bleu.