During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Minnesota Legislature provided the Minnesota Multicounty Multitype Library Systems (MCMT) with an appropriation to increase the number of licensed library media specialists in the state. One way that this is being accomplished is by providing tuition support to those applicants who are pursuing certification to become licensed Library Media Specialists.
Program Goal: To provide tuition support to those applicants currently accepted to university programs in order to obtain their Library Media Specialist certification AND who are currently employed in a school district as a Library Media Specialist. Applicants may include Tier 1, 2, 3 or 4 applicants, but this program will only pay for courses that specifically go towards the Library Media Specialist licensure, not an initial teaching license.
Currently, there are two programs in the state that offer the Library Media Specialist certificate to new enrollees. If you are interested in learning more about the programs, please visit their websites or contact the program's coordinators:
The amount of tuition support provided will be based on the cost of graduate tuition and fees per credit up to the amount of St. Cloud State University's current rate.
Application by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free
We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 term. At this time, accepted applicants will be reimbursed for credits and fees for coursework that goes toward the Library Media Specialist certification after successful completion of their course.
We will begin reviewing applications March 1st, 2026.
If you have any questions about the application or program, please reach out to Tuition Support Program Coordinator, Ashley Dress (adress6126@gmail.com).
Program materials created by Ashley Dress with support and templates from Shari Bishop and Resource Training & Solutions.