Overview
The purpose of this scholarship is to afford the opportunity to an individual that self-identifies as having a background(s) currently underrepresented in the membership of Museum Store Association to further their career goals in the non-profit retail field. This individual will not only attend MSA FORWARD 2025 but serve as a member on MSA’s DEAI Committee in order to contribute to MSA’s effort to champion the values of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
Eligibility
This award is open to Museum Store Association non-members and current members who are employed at a nonprofit institution in the retail and/or visitor services field.
Must certify financial need. Financial need is defined as but not limited to institutional budget cuts or a lack of support towards professional development/travel.
Self-identifies as at least one of the following underrepresented backgrounds listed below:
- Individuals from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in Museum Store Association, including but not limited to African American/Black, American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African (AMENA), Asian/Asian American, Asian Pacific Islander (API), BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, person of color), Hispanic, Latin(a/o), Latinx
- Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
- LGBTQIA+
This award includes the following:
- A one-year institutional membership for the Museum Store Association ($199 Value)
- Full Conference Registration for MSA FORWARD 2025 ($548 Value)
- A stipend to cover travel and other expenses associated with the conference is to be determined based on the recipient’s proximity to the MSA FORWARD location and need.
Requirements Associated with Scholarship:
- Full participation in MSA FORWARD 2025 includes attending the newcomer’s orientation on Monday, May 5th, their chapter meeting, the Awards Luncheon, educational sessions, and the expo. The recipient must also volunteer.
- The award recipient will be responsible for contributing to a future article in Museum Store Magazine or a blog outlining their experience.
- Serve as a MSA’s DEAI Committee member from June 2025 to May 2026.
Applications for the 2025 MSA DEAI Scholarship must be received by midnight EST on Friday, February 14, 2025.