The proposal panel presentation offers a summary of the experiences of the two IMLS sponsored programs together with an overview of the current profile of ALA-program graduates including data from the annual Library Journal survey presented by Dr. Stephanie Maatta. Attendees will learn how to aply for external funding, the importance of coordinating with the local library community, and the need for continuing emphasis on recruiting for diversity as borne out by the annual ALISE statistics and the Library Journal survey. The SPECRUM initiative has done much to focus on minority recruiting, but it is clear that this must be an ongoing commitment.