ASU introducing local students to scholarship opportunities

Strengthening Bermuda's ties with Arizona State University and introducing local students to scholarship opportunities and STEM pathways

Imagine studying at a top U.S. university. Arizona State University (ASU) is making that a reality for young Bermudians. The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (ASU BIOS) recently welcomed Laura Trakal, ASU’s coordinator for international recruitment, to Bermuda to engage with students about the 400+ degree programs available at ASU, as well as scholarship opportunities unique to Bermudians.

From March 9 to 14, Trakal met with students, career counselors and families during a comprehensive schedule of school visits, classroom presentations, one-to-one meetings and two public information sessions. Trakal noted that “this was an important opportunity for us to familiarise ourselves more closely with the island and its students. Bermuda has an incredible community of talented and globally minded students. We were delighted to connect with students, families and educators and share the many pathways available at Arizona State University.” 

The visit highlighted the scholarship opportunities available to Bermudian students through ASU’s partnership with ASU BIOS and aimed to increase awareness of academic and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) pathways available both at the ASU BIOS campus in Bermuda and across ASU’s four campuses in Arizona, as well as its other locations in London, Hawaii, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, California, and through ASU Online.

Throughout the week, Trakal met students at Mount St. Agnes Academy, a school known for its strong academic foundation and close community environment. At Saltus Grammar School, she spoke with students and later hosted an evening session for parents focused on university readiness and scholarship pathways. Benjamin Redburn, a Saltus student enrolled at the ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and a beneficiary of the ASU Bermuda Tuition Scholarship, also met with students to share his experiences. 

Engagement continued at Bermuda College, where environmental and marine science students attended a session to explore transfer opportunities and educational channels between Bermuda College and ASU. Catherine Bell, a Bermudian ASU Online student and ASU Bermuda scholarship awardee majoring in Ocean Futures, was also present to meet with students and discuss her experiences enrolling in ASU’s School of Ocean Futures. 

Meetings were also held at CedarBridge Academy, Bermuda’s largest public senior school with a focus on career and technical education, and at Warwick Academy, the island’s oldest school, which offers the International Baccalaureate program. In total, Trakal visited seven schools plus Bermuda College, reflecting the strong island wide interest in international study opportunities.

The visit also included an information session on March 10 hosted at O’Hara House. ASU BIOS extends sincere thanks to AXA XL for generously providing the venue and giving Bermudian students the chance to learn more about ASU’s educational opportunities. Craig Carlson, director of ASU BIOS, welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of connecting Bermuda’s scientific legacy with our ASU global university network. Trakal introduced students to the range of degrees offered and scholarship opportunities, and also highlighted the new ASU London campus with degree programs in business, engineering and computer science, including scholarships for Bermudian students. The event included a lively exchange with many students, including ASU Bermuda Scholarship awardee Precious Hayward. 

A student from Warwick Academy attending the O’Hara House information session said, “It is a great opportunity, as I have family in Arizona. Having the chance to go to Tempe or Phoenix to study and experience what ASU offers is exciting, and ASU has really in-depth and well-rounded programs for Bermudians.”

On March 13, an information session was held on the ASU BIOS campus. Trakal provided a detailed overview of the ASU Bermuda Scholarship and the breadth of undergraduate degree options at ASU. Guests were also given a tour of the campus on Friday and the opportunity to learn about the educational programs available locally through ASU BIOS. 

A student from The Berkeley Institute said, “The information session was very helpful, and ASU seems really suitable for international students. For me, this partnership with ASU BIOS stood out, and when I saw the ranking that it was number one in innovation and global impact, ASU really caught my attention. My intention is to study psychology and I have already applied to ASU.” 

The ASU Bermuda Tuition Scholarship is awarded annually on a competitive basis to Bermudian students who are admitted to ASU as full-time, on-campus undergraduate students. The program is designed to expand access to world class higher education while strengthening the long term connection between Bermuda and ASU. Five full scholarships are awarded annually to Bermudian students pursuing in-person undergraduate studies at ASU in any academic program. 

The scholarships provide significant financial support toward tuition costs for the duration of an undergraduate degree, subject to academic progress requirements. Recipients benefit not only from financial assistance but also from academic advising, access to research opportunities and integration into a global university community known for innovation and interdisciplinary study. Students may apply to pursue any undergraduate degree program offered at ASU, allowing flexibility across a wide range of academic interests. Students who wish to remain in Bermuda can also apply for scholarships supporting online undergraduate studies in any discipline. Trakal said, “Through our partnership with ASU BIOS and the ASU Bermuda Scholarship, we aim to make world-class education and hands-on learning more accessible to Bermudians.”

Bermudian students currently enrolled at ASU are pursuing diverse fields, including engineering, business, biomedical sciences, data science, marine biology, and public policy. This range demonstrates that the scholarship is not limited to ocean science alone but supports emerging leaders across sectors critical to Bermuda’s future workforce development and economic resilience.

“We want every Bermudian student to understand that global opportunities are within reach. Through our partnership with Arizona State University, we are expanding scholarship access and introducing students to STEM pathways that connect Bermuda to a global network of innovation,” said Kaitlin Noyes, director of education and community engagement at ASU BIOS.

The March visit reaffirmed ASU’s long term commitment to Bermuda and its investment in local talent. By connecting directly with students, families and educators, ASU and ASU BIOS continue to build clear and accessible pathways from Bermuda to one of the most innovative public research universities in the United States. 

Students interested in applying for the ASU Bermuda Tuition Scholarship must first apply and be admitted to ASU. Further details about eligibility, application timelines and scholarship coverage can be found at https://tuition.asu.edu/financial-aid/asu-bermuda-scholarships. For additional information about upcoming educational opportunities locally, families are encouraged to contact us.