About the Laura Bedingfield Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship & Lisa Yoder Memorial Graduate Scholarship

The 2024 TBOWIT Scholarship Application is now closed.

The Tampa Bay OWIT (TBOWIT) scholarships are designed to help support a deserving Tampa Bay student in an international study opportunity. The scholarships are designed for those students who are interested in international relations, development, trade, economics, business, or relevant study abroad programs.

Submit Application

Amount

Two scholarships with a maximum of $1,500 each to the selected winner.

Deadline

Entries must be received by online submission (using link above) by April 19, 2024. 

Requirements                

• Submit a completed online application using the link above with current student contact and degree information.
• Provide the TBOWIT Scholarship Committee with a personal statement or essay (max 750 words) detailing the description of a confirmed use for the award (e.g. acceptance at study abroad program, or field research for course in which you are enrolled, etc.).  Identify the length of time needed to develop and complete this defined project.  Award winner must be able to give an oral or virtual presentation on project at a TBOWIT event; a written report may also be required if requested by TBOWIT Board. 
• The online application will require two letters of support from faculty in your program and/or a professional reference (minimum one academic letter is required). Faculty may email letters with the name of the applicant + "scholarship letter" in the subject line directly to itrade@tbowit.org if required by university protocol.
• The scholarship requires candidates to upload up-to-date transcripts showing course work and grade point average.
• Interviews with final candidates may be required after all applications are reviewed.
• Scholarship money must be used within the 12 months following grant of award.

Eligibility

• All full-time students at an accredited College or University may apply (except freshman).  Scholarship funds must be used for tuition, books, and other expenses related to international studies, including study abroad programs.
• The student must be attending a Tampa Bay college or university, or have a personal connection to the greater Tampa Bay community.
• Selection will be made without regard to race, creed, color, or religion.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship will be awarded based on:

• Timeliness of required document submission.
• Quality of the submitted personal essay/statement.
• Demonstration of international focus.

Entry Period

Applications must be emailed to itrade@tbowit.org no later than EOD April 19, 2024.

Notification

The chosen recipient will be notified in Spring 2023. The recipient will be given an opportunity to briefly outline the proposed use of the award to TBOWIT members and will be invited to attend an award ceremony to give a brief presentation on their scholastic work.

About the Laura Bedingfield Undergraduate Scholarship

Laura Bedingfield was a founding board member of TBOWIT. Laura was an exceptional woman, a single mom, and an inspiration to many. After she passed away unexpectedly TBOWIT named their yearly scholarship in honor of her life. With strength, determination, and skill Laura rose rapidly thru the ranks at her accounting firm and was well respected by both those inside and outside of her organization.  Laura is missed by TBOWIT, but her memory lives on and we know that she would be pleased that her name is associated in helping students gain more traction in the international arena.

About the Lisa Yoder Memorial Graduate Scholarship

Lisa Yoder served on the TBOWIT Board for many years with indefatigable commitment; she was a true advocate for free trade and had great contacts in D.C. which she often brought to the chapter as speakers. Lisa fought a four-year battle with cancer but continued to serve on our Board almost until her last days.  Lisa passed away in April 2015  and she is missed by all. Lisa's love of life, family and friends, selfless caring for others, and giving spirit were felt by all who knew her and whose lives she touched.  A graduate of Clark University, Lisa received a Masters in International Affairs and Soviet Studies from Columbia University and a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College.  Following positions at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and a Presidential Management Internship at the Department of the Army, Lisa had a distinguished career with the Department of Defense including work on national security issues and US-NATO security policy, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  Her last position was with the Tampa Operations for Northrop Grumman Corp. In recognition of her many career accomplishments, Lisa was honored with two Secretary of Defense Medals for Meritorious Civilian Service, the Secretary of Defense Civilian Career Service Award, and was a finalist for the Paul H. Nitze Award for Excellence in International Security Affairs.