BCI FOUNDATION OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR UP TO $5,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE 2026–2027 ACADEMIC YEAR

Initiative created during Battery Council International’s 100th anniversary aims to support the next generation of battery industry leaders

Battery Council International (BCI) has officially opened the application process for the BCI Foundation scholarship program for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering awards of up to $5,000 to students pursuing careers related to the battery and energy storage industries.

The program is open to full-time undergraduate students (2-year and 4-year programs) as well as graduate students. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026, through the official scholarship portal.

Apply here:

https://automotivescholarships.com/scholarships/bci-foundation

Two scholarship opportunities

Funding from the BCI Foundation will support two distinct scholarship awards:

BCI Battery Chemistry and STEM Scholarship

Offered in partnership with Women in the Global Battery Industry, this scholarship provides $5,000 to students studying electrochemistry, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or related technical disciplines that support energy storage applications.

BCI Community Scholarship

Also valued at $5,000, this scholarship is available to employees of BCI member companies or their direct family members.

Supporting the future of the industry

The BCI Foundation was established in 2024 in recognition of Battery Council International’s 100th anniversary. The independent nonprofit charitable organization was launched with more than $115,000 in initial donations.

The first class of BCI scholars was selected in 2025, supporting three students in their academic journeys.

According to Roger Miksad, President and Executive Director of BCI, the initiative reflects the industry's commitment to developing future talent.

“Battery Council International is more than 100 years old. But in many ways, this industry’s brightest days are ahead of us. BCI and our members are investing in the next generation of industry leaders and innovators, and the charitable efforts of the BCI Foundation will help ensure a strong pipeline of talent.”

Industry support

Founding donors of the BCI Foundation include leading companies such as Banner, CD Trojan, Clarios, Crown Battery, Daramic, Duncan, East Penn, ENTEK, EnerSys, GS Yuasa, Leoch Battery, Moura, Rolls Battery Engineering, Stryten Energy, Superior, and U.S. Battery Manufacturing Company, along with additional contributions from individuals and anonymous donors across the industry.

The scholarships are administered in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting education programs within the automotive industry. Scholarship recipients will be selected by an independent review panel.