ASU/BIOS Launch Scholarships For Students
An initiative in collaboration with the Bermuda Institute of Oceanic Studies [BIOS] and Arizona State University [ASU] will “greatly benefit our Bermudian students,” Minister of Education Diallo Rabain said in the House of Assembly.
The Minister said, “I was pleased to join BIOS/ASU Chairman Steve Weinstein, BIOS/ASU President and CEO Dr. William Curry and Peter Schlosser, Vice President of Global Future at ASU, as we announced:
“ASU, committed to fostering academic excellence, will create a scholarship program that annually awards up to five full-tuition undergraduate scholarships for Bermuda students. This is a remarkable opportunity for those interested in studying in person in Arizona in any available programs. Eligible students will be selected based on performance in previous academic work and financial need.
“In addition, ASU has created a scholarship fund for other Bermudian students that will provide tuition awards that will reduce the cost of attendance in person at ASU to one-half of the standard international student tuition rate. This will reduce the cost for a full-time Bermudian Student [24 credits] to $11,500 using the 2023/24 tuition costs.”
“Further and similarly, ASU will create a scholarship to reduce the academic year tuition rate for full-time students in undergraduate online programs.
“Bermuda students will be eligible to enrol as either first-year students with no earlier higher education experience or can enter as transfer students from community colleges or other higher education institutions. In that regard, they will continue to work with Bermuda College on pathway programs.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform honourable members and the listening audience about an initiative in collaboration with the Bermuda Institute of Oceanic Studies [BIOS] and Arizona State University [ASU] that will greatly benefit our Bermudian students.
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was pleased to join BIOS/ASU Chairman Steve Weinstein, BIOS/ASU President and CEO Dr. William Curry and Peter Schlosser, Vice President of Global Future at ASU, as we announced:
ASU, committed to fostering academic excellence, will create a scholarship program that annually awards up to five full-tuition undergraduate scholarships for Bermuda students. This is a remarkable opportunity for those interested in studying in person in Arizona in any available programs. Eligible students will be selected based on performance in previous academic work and financial need.
In addition, ASU has created a scholarship fund for other Bermudian students that will provide tuition awards that will reduce the cost of attendance in person at ASU to one-half of the standard international student tuition rate. This will reduce the cost for a full-time Bermudian Student [24 credits] to $11,500 using the 2023/24 tuition costs.
Further and similarly, ASU will create a scholarship to reduce the academic year tuition rate for full-time students in undergraduate online programs.
Bermuda students will be eligible to enrol as either first-year students with no earlier higher education experience or can enter as transfer students from community colleges or other higher education institutions. In that regard, they will continue to work with Bermuda College on pathway programs.
Mr. Speaker, during the announcement last Friday, I pledged the full support of the Ministry of Education and that we would seek to support this initiative with funding from our Scholarships and Awards program. I am pleased to say that I have held preliminary discussions with Bermuda College. We plan to add to our already extensive Scholarship offerings three scholarships valued up to $10,000 per year for two years. This will enable graduates from Bermuda College to continue their final two years of schooling at Arizona State University.
Mr. Speaker, when ASU and BIOS first announced their desire to partner in Bermuda some three years ago, the Government, through the Ministry of Education, consistently supported this collaboration. During this period, we are also grateful for the partnership agreement we have been able to sign with BIOS/ASU and CedarBridge Academy Signature School to support the STEM Signature Program. This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing education and supporting ocean awareness, conservation, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics [STEM] education for future generations.
Mr. Speaker, the primary goal of this partnership is to foster experiential learning that helps our young learners excel academically while simultaneously exploring the ocean and addressing significant environmental issues. Our focus is threefold: enhancing scientific literacy, offering hands-on experiences, and emphasizing career preparation.
Mr. Speaker, since formalizing our partnership, we have engaged in several activities designed to provide opportunities to be exposed to, explore and experience relevant and meaningful learning. BIOS has collaborated with the CedarBridge Academy science department to co-design curriculum and real-world projects. The co-teaching model in Physics classes has enabled teachers to deliver high-quality, rigorous lessons. Additionally, through curriculum mapping, Biology classes have benefited from increased field research opportunities with visits to the BIOS facility for field and lab work. BIOS has also been involved in the Signature Taster Programme via Signature Discovery, offering middle school and parish primary school students a broad exploration of STEM careers.
Mr. Speaker, as we enter the second year of our partnership, we look forward to offering additional options for Bermuda’s STEM Signature Learning Programme students, including work shadowing, internships, and opportunities for employment or scholarships in the final two years of senior schooling.
Mr. Speaker, by integrating academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences, we aim to prepare students for further study options as well as develop our students into more responsible citizens. This collaboration with BIOS underscores our shared commitment to cultivating our students’ determination, knowledge, skills, and agency, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to conservation efforts and excel in STEM fields in Bermuda and worldwide.
Mr. Speaker, it is with profound gratitude that I acknowledge this generous donation from Arizona State University in partnership with BIOS. The Government welcomes this initiative and looks forward to Bermudians benefitting from the scholarships, the endowment and world-class facilities and resources of ASU as it continues its partnership with BIOS. As the Minister responsible for Bermuda College, I am also pleased to hear of the desire to strengthen ties between ASU and provide pathways for our students to higher education opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, announcements like this are a testament to the collaborative efforts of ASU and BIOS to support Bermuda’s students. This scholarship program and endowment fund will have a lasting impact, ensuring our students can achieve their full potential. We deeply appreciate their commitment to education and the future of Bermuda’s young minds.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Bermuda Government, I extend our heartfelt thanks to ASU President Micheal Crow, BIOS Chair Steven Weinstein, BIOS President and CEO Dr. William Curry and the entire BIOS team, trustees, and partners for believing in the promise of our island and our students. Your support underscores the importance of education and strengthens the ties between our communities.
Thank You, Mr. Speaker.
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