ARL News: Kaleidoscope Program 2026 Scholars Selected
INFO students Jazmyn Gray and Sofia Isabel Peña Wallace join 17 scholars selected for the 2026 Kaleidoscope Program.
2026 Kaleidoscope Program Scholars Jazmyn Gray (left) and Sofia Isabel Peña Wallace (right).
The Association of Research Libraries’ Kaleidoscope Program selected INFO students Jazmyn Gray and Sofia Isabel Peña Wallace as two of 17 scholars in its 2026 cohort. The two-year program strengthens pathways into research libraries and archives by supporting graduate students through financial assistance, professional development, mentoring, and educational experiences. Scholars also explore career opportunities, institutional operations, personal identities, and the broader issues shaping the values and missions of research libraries and archives.
For current MLIS student Jazmyn Gray, the program provides an opportunity to continue developing her skills and professional relationships as she prepares for a career in the field, while connecting with Sofia and other members of the 2026 cohort. For Sofia, an incoming HiLS student and Maryland native who earned her bachelor’s degree out of state, joining the program and returning to UMD for her master’s represents a kind of homecoming. As she begins her Kaleidoscope experience, she looks forward to building connections with students and professionals in libraries and archives and participating in the program’s mentorship opportunities.
For more on Jazmyn and Sofia, the Kaleidoscope Program’s 2026 scholars, and how they are preparing for careers in research libraries and archives, read the full article here.
The original article was written by ARL Leadership and Transformation Team and published by Association of Research Libraries (ARL) on July 21, 2026.