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A prestigious new grant award is building on BW's successful study abroad program by expanding access to students who may have financial or other limitations that prevent them from experiencing this learning enrichment.
In May, BW was among 40 colleges and universities to receive grant funding through the IIE American Passport Project – an initiative of the IIE Center for International Opportunities, a globally renowned organization best known for managing the flagship Fulbright Program and Gilman Scholarships.
Through the IIE Passport grant, BW can now award 25 Pell-eligible/high-need students (preferencing first-year students) funds to apply for their passports. BW students who successfully apply for their passport through the IIE American Passport Project grant will also receive a $500 "First Steps Abroad" scholarship through the Bonds family.
Another important resource is the Melampy Passport Endowment, which also provides important funding for student study abroad programs and honors BW biology professor emeritus Michael Melampy.
Currently, 27% of BW students participate in study abroad, compared to the national average of 10%.
"We are grateful to be recipients of the IIE American Passport Project grant," said Christie Shrefler, who is director of the Bonds Center for Global Exploration. "This generous grant is another opportunity to expand real-world learning experiences for BW students.
"Among other benefactors who have contributed to students studying abroad or to the service projects they have done abroad are the Bonds family and Women for BW, whose generous scholarships and grant funding have benefited many students over the years," added Shrefler.
In October 2025, BW dedicated its study abroad and international student hub as the Dr. A.B. Bonds, Jr. and Georgianna Bonds Center for Global Exploration. In addition to a new name for the Center, the Bonds family also announced a new scholarship to support students studying abroad. This is in addition to other scholarships already established individually by members of the Bonds family, including Sandy Bonds, who has funded an endowment dedicated to study abroad for students focused on careers in technical theatre.
Among students who have benefited from Bonds scholarship funding is Hannah Sim '26, a theatre major from Medina, Ohio, who went with 25 other BW students and two faculty on a theatre-immersion study abroad experience to London in May.
"I spent two weeks immersed in the London theatre scene," noted Sim, whose career interest is focused on the design and technical aspects of theatre. "I saw a total of 11 productions, with a majority of them being on the West End. In addition, I had the chance to explore the city.
"None of these wonderful experiences would have happened without the generous support of the Bonds family. The productions I saw in London helped me have a better understanding of what makes theatre so magical," she added.
Also participating in that study abroad program was Hannah Trusso '27 of Valley View, Ohio, who is studying public relations. Trusso also benefited from BW grant funding.
In a recent video posted on BW social media, Trusso shared a day-in-the-life look at the London trip.
