The ARL Career Enhancement Program was created to provide master of library and information science (MLIS) students from racial and ethnic minority groups with an opportunity to jump-start their careers in research libraries by providing practical work experience. All applicants must possess the following qualifications:

• be accepted into an ALA–accredited library school program 
• be a member of a racial/ethnic minority group as described by the US Census Bureau:
  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Asian
  • Black or African American
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
• have completed a minimum of 12 graduate-level credits in library and information science prior to engaging in the internship