BCI Foundation Awards First Scholarships to Support Future Leaders in Energy Storage and STEM

BCI Foundation Announces Inaugural Scholarship Recipients

The Battery Council International (BCI), along with its philanthropic arm, the BCI Foundation, proudly introduces the first cohort of BCI Scholars. This marks a significant step in the organization’s commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators in the energy storage sector. In total, three outstanding students have been awarded scholarships, each receiving up to $5,000 to aid their studies during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Founded in honor of BCI's centenary anniversary on March 21, 2024, the BCI Foundation aims to contribute to the development of future leaders within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, specifically targeting the energy storage industry. According to BCI President, Roger Miksad, "Our members have a profound history of giving back to communities throughout the U.S. This initiative is designed to build upon that legacy, ensuring the industry's prosperity for the next century."

The scholarships are categorized into two distinct types:

1. BCI Battery Chemistry and STEM Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at students majoring in electrochemistry, STEM fields, or related technical areas that support energy storage applications. As part of its commitment to diversity, the BCI is collaborating with Women in the Global Battery Industry (WGBI) to guarantee that at least one woman receives this scholarship each year. For the inaugural year, the recipients are Sophia Anderson from Schwenksville, PA, and Leaf Evergreen from Hillsboro, OR.

2. BCI Community Scholarship: This scholarship is provided to individuals who have direct connections with BCI member companies through employment or family ties. The 2025 scholarship was awarded to Summer Sapp from Russell Springs, KY.

The BCI Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that began with initial funding from a $10,000 challenge grant from ENTEK, a company known for its battery separator products. Daramic also contributed generously with a separate $5,000 grant, further bolstering the foundation's mission. Additional funding came from various Centennial Sponsors that participated in BCI’s 100th-anniversary celebrations held during the organization’s annual conference in April. Noteworthy sponsors include prominent industry players like Banner, Clarios, and East Penn, among others.

The administration of the BCI Foundation scholarships is entrusted to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, which specializes in funding educational programs and research in the aftermarket sector. The BCI Foundation is dedicated to promoting educational opportunities that will lead to a bright future in battery technology and related industries.

To learn more about the BCI Foundation and its initiatives, visit BCI Foundation.

As BCI celebrates its 100-year legacy, this scholarship program stands as a testament to the organization's ongoing dedication to education, sustainability, and innovation in the battery industry. By investing in these students, BCI ensures that the future of energy storage will be led by well-prepared individuals ready to face the challenges ahead. The achievements of these scholars reflect the hard work and commitment that the BCI and its partners encourage in aspiring professionals across the sector.