Ann Arbor, MI – The Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation and Macmillan Publishers are proud to announce that applications are open for the Macmillan Booksellers Professional Development Scholarship which provides $500 to booksellers traditionally underrepresented within the industry to attend their region’s fall trade show. Applications are accepted June 25-July 10.
“We know firsthand how the regional trade shows are impactful for networking and professional development within the industry,” said Jennifer Gonzalez, President, Sales & Marketing, Macmillan Publishers. “To give a bookseller the opportunity to attend a trade show who may not have been able to is not only beneficial to them, but also to us at Macmillan and the entire industry. We are thrilled to once again support Binc on their mission as they help our bookstore colleagues.”
The scholarship allows eight booksellers from underrepresented groups to attend one of the eight regional independent book association trade shows. Thirty-two scholarships for booksellers from underrepresented groups have been awarded to date. Each scholarship covers the cost of travel, lodging and meals for one bookseller at each regional independent bookseller association’s fall trade show up to $500.
“Thanks to the continued commitment of Macmillan Publishers and the Independent Bookseller Associations, underrepresented booksellers have access to a wider range of opportunities for professional development and growth within the book industry,” said Binc Executive Director Pam French. “Binc is honored to work with a publisher and regional executive directors whose values align with the Foundation.”
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, a bookseller must have worked in a bookstore as a regular full or part-time employee for a minimum of 90 days. The bookstore must be a member in good standing of one of the regional trade associations and the award-winning bookseller must coordinate with their bookstore to attend the tradeshow.
The applicant will answer three short essay questions. The winner from each region will be selected with an identity-hidden review process by a panel of employees from Macmillan and members of the Binc program committee.
Booksellers can find out more details and apply at https://forms.gle/H1FZ2R2haaPvjmhi7
Eligibility:
Applicants must fall into one of the following categories
- People of color, defined as people of African/African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latin American, Middle Eastern, or Native American/Indigenous descent
- People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer
- People with disabilities (includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental illnesses).
- The applicant’s store must be a member of one of the regional IBA organizations.
- The applicant must be a regular part-time or full-time employee of the bookstore.
- Applicants must be currently employed and have 90 days of continuous employment with the bookstore.