Binc Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2014–2015 Academic Year

Expanded program offers up to $198,500 in higher education scholarships to qualifying bookstore employees and dependents

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) is accepting applications from now until February 28, 2014, for the newly expanded Binc Foundation Scholarship Program. The program will offer two scholarships at the $10,000 level and up to 51 awards of $3,500 each to eligible current bookstore employees/owners and their dependents as well as former Borders Group employees and their dependents. As part of the expanded program, awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board over consecutive years if a student is not able to use the entire award for the 2014–2015 academic year.

“We received such positive feedback regarding the scholarships awarded in 2013 that when it came time to plan for the 2014 scholarship program, it made sense to expand the program,” said Binc Executive Director Pam French. “The scholarship program is a very good way for booksellers to learn about the foundation and all of the ways we can help out during tough times. When the foundation can provide the opportunity for a bookseller to pursue [his or her] dreams, it aligns with our mission to strengthen the bookselling community overall.”

Since 2001, the Binc Foundation has supported the educational goals of almost 500 recipients with more than $1.1 million in awards. Now in its 13th year, the focus on making a positive impact in the lives of bookstore employees and their families continues to extend to all current employees/owners and dependents of retail bookstores in the U.S. who have a minimum of one year of continuous employment at a bookstore. The bookstore must have a retail bricks-and-mortar presence in the U.S. and generate a substantial portion of its revenue from the sale of books. Eligible employees must be employed directly by the bookstore.

Scholarship America (Scholarship Management Services) will conduct the 2014 scholarship program. The evaluation process will utilize selection criteria including financial need, prior academic achievement, leadership capabilities, participation in school and community activities, work experience, and career aspirations. 

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/binc/.

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates charitable programs to strengthen the bookselling community. Established in 1996 as the Borders Foundation, the core program provides assistance to bookstore employees who have a demonstrated financial need arising from severe hardship and/or emergency circumstances. Since its inception, the organization has provided over $5 million in charitable assistance. Support for the foundation’s programs and services come from all sectors of the book industry.

Donations to Binc are tax deductible.