“My first year at the University of Southern California was nothing short of amazing as a first year, I took a diverse set of courses. I was admitted into USC’s Thematic Option honors program which allowed me to explore writing seminars and humanities courses. I also took film and journalism classes to fulfill my chosen academic programs and studied French as a requirement of my major. I worked 3 jobs throughout my two semesters, as a student consultant at the American Language Institute, a camera operator at DEN @Vertibi, and as an office assistant in USC’s Economics department. My interests have led me to transfer to Yale University as a political science major and I am excited to dive deeper into the studies I have begun at UC.”

2021 Update from Amina:

During my second year at the University of Southern California, I’ve dived deep into my journalism manor, wrapped up the majority of my honors core curriculum, and explored screenwriting courses, all while maintaining a high GPA. As for extracurriculars, I became a staff writer at the Daily Trojan, and I was selected as next year’s Arts and Entertainment editor. I completed shifts at Annenberg Media’s newsroom as a requirement for my major and participated in Women in Cinematic Arts. I’ve also continued my work as a camera operator at DEN@Viterbi. Now that the school year has ended, I am interning at a publication in New York, as well as a media start-up. I would like to reiterate my gratitude for this scholarship as it has afforded me the flexibility to pursue all the opportunities available during school and outside of it.”

“I have been working hard to improve on my studies and to get good grades. I have made a lot of connections this year and have been researching Greek life. I applied to be an IRA at my college (Notre Dame College) so that I can the experiences I desired. I was awarded that opportunity, which I am beyond thankful for since I get paid to do this and receive free room and board. In addition, I have also improved on my character by learning more about myself and how to handle situations when my parents are not there to help. It is only a shame that my year was cut so short because of the coronavirus, as I know I could have grown so much more had it not bee cut short. I am blessed to have been able to live through my first year of college and to have learned so many things.”

2021 Update from Cayla:

I want to thank you again for selecting me for the annual Bedford Foundation Scholarship. My sophomore year was really eventful and I decided that I wanted to change my major and I am not quite sure what I want to change it to yet, but I know that I want to be able to further my education to grad school and above because I really enjoy school and the clubs, activities, and friendships I have made from being in college. I am a part of the cheer squad, women’s ID, I take private vocal lessons and am a part of the chamber choir and a group choir. I will be joining the new strings program this fall and have learned a lot these two years on how to balance my social life and studies. I also picked up a lot hobbies such as having my own business, starting my own YouTube channel and making music. I have learned so much about myself and I look forward to achieving and learning so much more in the next two years of college. I would have been able to continue with such ease without you help and I want to thank you gain for choosing me for this scholarship.

 “I am ecstatic to continue being a CV scholar. A recap of my first year at the University of Cincinnati School of CEAS…Cars are my passion. Knowledge is what I live for. Success is my future. In a world of social unjust, it is my mission to have a name for myself…to hopefully one day be able to give back to those who helped me accomplish my goals and establish who I am. “

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the BSCF for my 2020-2021 school year scholarship awarded towards my academic year at The Ohio State University. College allowed me to deeply seek my niche which has inspired me to switch my major from PR of Journalism, to Strategic Communications. Although the second semester of my sophomore year was interrupted by Covid-19, I utilized my resources very well. I proudly closed the semester off achieving a 3.8 GPA…and found my true passion in business. I continued the position as a mentor of the G.E.M. program which is designed to address gaps in science and literacy among elementary and middle school students; I designed and outlined the Variety Show for the 42nd African American Heritage Festival and was offered the position as co-chair for the 43rd African American Heritage Festival.”

2021 Update From Dabrionne:

“During my third and final year of my undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to grow as an individual and discover new profound passions. College allowed me to deeply seek my niche which has inspired me to switch my major from Public Relations of Journalism to Strategic Communications. Although my last year of college was interrupted by Covid-19, I managed to excel in my studies and maintained a 3.2 GPA. In addition, I managed to serve as an entrepreneur to my bath and body care brand Natural Glow & Co. I had the honor of serving as a co-chair for the 43rd African American Heritage Festival. I am beyond grateful that BCF has played a huge role in allowing me to excel in my studies. Funding my college career has truly assisted in following my dreams as a rising entrepreneur.”

“Thank you for investing in my education, your support and kindness has been uplifting these past couple of years. This year I was able to form professional relationships with my peers and learn so much about the craft of filmmaking. I had the opportunity to be the script supervisor for a short film called “The Boy Who Knew Too Much,” …tracking continuity for the film. This year I also changed my minor from Journalism to Media Production. I’m part of Thompson Family Scholars…community service program and a Team Leader for the Bowling Green State University diversity program, SMART and a member of BG Red, a club dedicated to fostering student interest in the arts.”

2021 UPDATE form Jordan:

“I want to thank you for your generosity and support over the past couple of years. My college journey has been fruitfully amazing and I’m overjoyed to share my accomplishments with you. In school I’m involved in a myriad of different activities, including BG Reel, Black Student Union, and BG Valor. In addition to my extra-curricular activities, I have excelled academically as well. I currently hold a 3.7 GPA and I’ve been on the Dean’s list every semester during my time at BGSU. This summer I’m pursuing the opportunity of a lifetime by being able to intern with two professional production companies. This July I was selected out of over 500 candidates to participate in United Talent Agency’s summer Externship program. In addition to my professional career pursuits, I also work part-time as a team lead for SMART, a mentorship program that provides incoming students of color with resources and support to thrive at the collegiate level.”

“My 2019-2020 Academic School Year at John Carroll University can be viewed as a rollercoaster. Fall 2019, I studied abroad in Italy for the semester and it was a wonderful and enlightening experience. I studied at Pontifical Urbaniana U, in Vatican City throughout the remainder of my semester in Italy. I was able to travel across Italy during my studies experience where my group went to Sorrento, Pompeii, Milan, Venice, Siena Arezzo, Bergamo, and many more. During my independent travel I went to London, Manchester and Oxford, England, Geneva, Switzerland, Chamonix Mont blanc, France and my ancestral home country and city Krakow Poland. Even though COVID-19 has made 2020 an interesting year to put it nicely, I feel I made many accomplishments during this school year by Studied Abroad, making new friends, declared my major and minor, kept my GPA up, and making Dean’s list three semesters in a row: COVID-19 did not ruin my 2019-2020 academic school year and has taught me a lesson.”

2021 Update from Daniel:

My junior year at John Carroll University has been an eventful and fulfilling one. Despite my Fall term being spent on zoom, I was able to achieve a 4.0 GPA and am getting all A’s for my classes. During the Spring semester I was able to obtain an internship with the Irish American archives, where I did genealogy research for an assisted immigration scheme called the Tuke Sailings. As a rising senior, next semester will be my last one at John Carroll. I will be finishing my History and Italian Studies majors and completing my senior thesis which will showcase what I have learned at JCU and demonstrate that I am ready to graduate. After University, I plan to attend graduate school to obtain my masters in history with concentration in either early 20th Century American (1900-1959) or another field of interest. I have developed a major support system with the many friends, old and new, that I have made over the course of my time at JCU that I feel I am ready to face whatever life has prepared for me.”

“Currently I am a rising senior at Case Western Reserve University and am on track to graduate on time! This was my first semester choosing to officially pursue other career choices other than medical school. Instead, I devoted my time toward embracing my major in Cognitive Science and minor in Psychology. This year was full of change. But, if there’s any advice I could give to anyone, it would be that no matter what, it is okay to change your mind. These changes show growth…lean into the discomfort and the unknown. There’s never a wrong time to seek what brings light to your life. As always, thank you BCSF for being supportive of my endeavors. You are truly one of the things I am most thankful for in my college career. CWRU is an expensive school and to offset the cost of anything is a help that I cannot begin to explain. Again, thank you for allowing me the room to search for myself throughout college and to be remembered as an exceptional graduate of BHS, and a student of the BCSD since kindergarten. You’re all people with beautiful, giving hearts and that does not go unnoticed.”

“I would like to start off by saying thank you for your financial support throughout my college experience. I have worked hard to finish these past two semesters strong even transitioning through the pandemic. I was able to move off campus after my sophomore year of college. I struggled trying to balance working and a taking a full load of classes.  I wanted to stay as active as possible with on campus clubs and there was always someone who would keep me updated about the meetings that I missed. These organizations included: Sister-Sister mentoring, The Ohio club, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Tuskegee University Pre-Alumni Council. I had the opportunity to join a Pre-Dental Association where information about applying to dental school is posted and tips for studying for the Dental Admission test. Spring semester was a life changing experience. I would have never thought a pandemic would hit right in the middle of my junior year. Professors were more understanding and helpful throughout the transition. I was determined to finish the semester strong with the help of classmates, professors and mentors from the senior class. Overall, this semester I learned that no matter what changes occur throughout my life or education I have to be ready to adjust and continue to be hard driven. Thank you for your support, continue to stay safe.”

“I have completed my second year at Central State University. Despite returning home and having to complete the remainder of my semester online I finished with a 4.0GPA. While attending CSU I have also served as the secretary to the Pre-Law Society and have been elected to serve as the Vice-President for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic school year. I have also joined the university admissions team as a tour guide. I also devoted a great deal of my time to the American Democracy Project – an initiative that seeks to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement to produce graduates that are engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy. I am excited to move into my third year of college and would like to thank you all for the support as I continue my education."

“…I am months away from obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. I will soon be able to to say ‘I recently graduated from the world renowned Full Sail University…’ Writing this personal letter to the scholarship committee has made me evaluate all of the growth in my pursuits after leaving Bedford High School. During my time at Full Sail U. I have started working with the Student Community Association. There were many good and bad things that I had to experience while working there. I found more friends that I will cherish throughout my life by being a part of this program. I joined the Full Sail Coding Club. During my time there I have networked with some people nestled into senior management ad more importantly they have a sense of belonging at their companies and in their careers. In conclusion, this global pandemic has opened society’s eyes when choosing a career path that is viable if the world shuts down again. The question I asked myself was ‘will I be a essential personnel with this degree?’ Software developers are essential to sustaining U.S. economic vitality. This comforts me knowing I truly have chosen a career that is vital to the growth of development of the world.

We look forward to reading more success stories from our scholarship recipients in the years to come...