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 2017 Annual Meeting!

As 2016 Wanda Chin Scholarship recipient Rebecca Drudge explained:

“My experience at the annual meeting, thanks to the Wanda Chin scholarship, had a genuine and sincere impact on me and my work. I feel a renewed sense of purpose in my work, driven by the question this conference made me ask about my role in my institution, my work, and my goals. Conferences such as the WMA annual meeting facilitate different moments of realization and inspiration for all who participate, myself included. They are a time we can come together and share the challenges and lessons of change in our field and in our own lives.”

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 2, 2017 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 2, 2017.

Learn more about the Wanda Chin Scholarship here.

Learn more about WMA Membership here.