Opening Pathways, Changing Lives: The Lasting Impact of the Knowledge River Scholars Program

When Marissa Alcorta (MLIS ’06) reflects on her journey through the Knowledge River Scholars Program, her message is clear: “KR is the reason I am in the leadership position I am in today.”

That sentiment resonates throughout the newly released Knowledge River Scholars Program Impact Report (2020-2024)—a comprehensive and inspiring look at how this pioneering initiative continues to transform lives, advance communities and redefine leadership in the library and information science fields.

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Housed in the University of Arizona’s College of Information Science to support students in the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science, Knowledge River has grown into a nationally recognized model for inclusive, culturally grounded graduate education. Since its founding in 2001, the program has supported nearly 270 scholars—many from historically underrepresented backgrounds—equipping them with the skills, networks and experiences necessary to lead in libraries, archives, museums and information centers in the U.S. and abroad.

“I am both humbled and inspired by the legacy and ongoing promise of this nationally recognized program,” says College of Information Science Interim Dean Catherine Brooks. “These stories of Knowledge River students and alumni remind us that the mission of equitable access to information is not just alive—it is evolving, and it is in capable hands.”

The data reinforces that message. From 2020 to 2024, the program graduated 51 new scholars, awarding nearly $1 million in tuition support and graduate assistantships. But the outcomes extend far beyond numbers. KR alumni are now leading public library systems, developing Indigenous-led archives and influencing national conversations around access, belonging and cultural preservation.

“We’re not just preparing librarians,” says Berlin Loa, program director and associate professor of practice. “We’re building a community of information professionals who transform standards, reflect the cultures they serve and lead with purpose and heart.”

At a time when federal support for educational programs is declining, the report offers a powerful reminder of why programs like Knowledge River matter. They create pathways where none previously existed. They change the demographics of leadership in library and information science. And perhaps most importantly, they help students see themselves as agents of change. 

For many, that transformation is both personal and professional. “KR is the reason I am a successful librarian today,” says Magali Sanchez, MLIS ’20. Ruby Nugent, a 2019 graduate, calls Knowledge River “the single most valuable thing that has happened to me both personally and professionally.”

This work, of course, depends on support. The Knowledge River Scholarship Fund plays a vital role in ensuring that future students—especially those from underserved communities—can access the education and opportunities the program provides. Your donation directly supports tuition assistance, graduate assistantships and professional development for tomorrow’s librarians, archivists and other information leaders.

Explore the full Knowledge River Scholars Program Impact Report and learn more about how the program is shaping the future of the field.

To make a contribution to the KR Scholarship Fund, visit infosci.arizona.edu/support-kr.