Binc Accepting Applications for 2015 Academic Scholarships

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) has opened its annual scholarship program to booksellers and their families pursuing higher education goals. Applications will be accepted from now until Friday, February 27.

This year, $200,000 in awards will be granted through the Binc Foundation Scholarship Program, including 50 awards of $3,500 and two awards of $10,000. One Karl Pohrt Tribute Scholarship of $5,000 will be given to a nontraditional student or one who has overcome learning challenges.

“The scholarship program has long been one of the cornerstones of how the foundation helps booksellers,” said Binc Executive Director Pam French. “This year we are especially honored to launch the Karl Pohrt Tribute Scholarship in memory of one of the country’s finest booksellers.”

Pohrt, who died in 2013, was the founder and owner of Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Shaman Drum Bookshop, which closed in 2009, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Booksellers Association.

Now in its 14th year, Binc has supported more than 550 people in their educational pursuits. Those eligible for the scholarships include bookstore employees or owners and their dependents, and former Borders Group employees and their dependents. 

Once again this year, the program will be managed by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America. Applications will be evaluated for academic achievement; financial need; and leadership, participation, and other non-academic criteria, including a statement of goals, work experience, and unusual personal or family circumstances.

Scholarships are available for students seeking full- or part-time study at an accredited institution. Awards can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board. Scholarships are a one-time award, but students are welcome to reapply to the program each year that they meet the eligibility requirements.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on February 27. Visit www.scholarsapply.org/binc for full details and to apply.

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 comes from all sectors of the book industry, including the American Booksellers Association.