Applications are open for the Book Industry Charitable Foundation's annual higher education scholarship program. Until April 15, booksellers, comics retailers and former Borders Group employees can apply for the scholarship, which can support their own higher education goals or those of dependents, spouses or partners.
Binc will award seven $3,500 scholarships to the dependents of bookstore and comic shop employees and one $5,000 Karl Pohrt Tribute Scholarship award to an indie bookstore or comic book shop employee who has overcome a learning adversity or is a nontraditional student. The program is administered by Scholarship America.
"We are proud to support booksellers and comic shop people investing in their families' futures through Binc's higher education scholarship program," said Binc executive director Pamela French. "After a difficult year, we are more than ever looking forward to helping students achieve their higher education goals and dreams. I encourage all booksellers and comic shop employees and owners with children, spouses, or partners who are pursuing higher education this year to apply for a scholarship."
The evaluation process for applicants will look at 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. More details are available here.
Since 2001, the Binc Foundation has supported the educational goals of more than 720 students, awarding $1.94 million in higher education scholarships.