Binc Launches Revised 2019 Higher Education Scholarship Program

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) has opened the application process for its annual higher education scholarship program; applications will be accepted through March 5.

The 2019 scholarship program has been revised to support booksellers’ dependents, spouses, and partners in pursuing their higher education goals. Binc will award seven $3,500 scholarships to the dependents of booksellers, and one Karl Pohrt Tribute Scholarship award of $5,000 will be granted to an independent bookseller who has overcome learning adversity or is a non-traditional student.

The program seeks to make a lasting impact in the lives of bookstore employees and former Borders Group employees by offering scholarships to their dependents and spouses/partners based on financial need, academic performance, and community involvement. Scholarships are offered for full- or part-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.

“The launch of our annual scholarship program always makes January exciting,” said Binc Executive Director Pam French. “Helping booksellers’ families achieve their educational goals and explore possibilities is one of the ways Binc supports booksellers. I encourage all booksellers who are the parents or guardians of students who are pursuing higher education to apply for a scholarship this year.”

The revised scholarship program reflects a change in eligibility requirements from previous years. Booksellers themselves are now only eligible for the Karl Pohrt Memorial Scholarship, and only booksellers’ dependents and spouses/partners are eligible for the seven higher education scholarships. The bookseller themselves must be currently employed at a brick-and-mortar bookstore and have been employed there for at least 90 days for their family members to be eligible for a higher education scholarship.
 
Changes were made to the scholarship program this year to more closely align the program with Binc’s mission to strengthen the book industry. Binc hopes to support career booksellers by making college education more affordable for their families.

Booksellers wishing to expand their education — and stay in the industry — may apply for a variety of professional development scholarships. Applications are currently being accepted for the newly launched Denver Publishing Institute scholarship, and applications will open later this year for the second annual Carla Gray Memorial Scholarship for Emerging Bookseller-Activists. The professional development scholarship opportunities Binc offers are expanding and growing; more scholarship opportunities will be announced later this year.

Since 2001, the Binc Foundation has supported the educational goals of over 680 students, awarding $1.9 million dollars in higher education scholarships. Now in its 18th year, the scholarship program is focusing on making a positive impact on the lives of bookstore employees and their families.

Scholarship America (Scholarship Management Services) will manage the 2019 scholarship program. The evaluation process will utilize selection criteria including financial need, prior academic achievement, and leadership capabilities (including participation in school and community activities), as well as work experience, a statement of career and educational goals and objectives, and unusual personal or family circumstances.

Booksellers can find out more details and apply here. Applications are due March 5.