Professional conferences are a fantastic arena to learn and grow through attending sessions, networking with peers, and exposure to organizational, theoretical, and geographical perspectives. However, taking advantage of this type of opportunity often is a matter of finances.

The Western Museums Association (WMA) offers the Wanda Chin Scholarship to assist member’s financial needs and ultimately further the museum profession. The Scholarship helps fund travel and registration for WMA members who otherwise could not attend the Annual Meeting. The program is funded through annual auctions and donations.

The application submission period is now open for Scholarships to the 2016 Annual Meeting!

As 2015 Wanda Chin Scholarship recipient Kelsey Clark explained:

“As an emerging museum professional in San Francisco, I am balancing simultaneous roles as a student, a museum staff person, and an intern. In these capacities, I am learning firsthand what challenges we face in solidifying a relevant place for museums in society. The WMA 2015 Annual Meeting was an opportunity for me to convene with others who are noticing and contending with the same challenges.”

The Wanda Chin Professional Development Scholarship helps to fund travel and registration for WMA Members who meet the following qualifications:

1.    Student (Must be a current WMA Member and enrolled in a degree granting program)

2.    Incoming Professional (Must be a current WMA Member and have been in the museum field for 1-5 years)

3.    Mid-career professional (Must be a current WMA Member and have been in the museum field for 5+ years)

We encourage applications from members of diverse communities, and subscribe to EEO/Affirmative Action principles. This is a competitive process, and awards are based primarily on financial need. Scholarship awards are generally partial amounts requested in order to assist as many qualified applicants as possible; it is expected that the recipient or their institution will share some cost.

The June 3, 2016 deadline is approaching! Apply today!

To Apply:

Please fill out the Wanda Chin Scholarship Application Form and return it to proposals@westmuse.org by June 3, 2016.

Learn more about the Wanda Chin Scholarship here.

Learn more about WMA Membership here.