Bennett Belle, Martha Hallmon, Awarded the Fund for Education Abroad Inclusive Ireland Scholarship Award

Encouraging global exploration is a cornerstone of the student experience at Bennett College. We are pleased to celebrate Bennett Belle Martha Hallmon, a Junior Psychology major from Greensboro, NC, who recently received the Fund for Education Abroad Inclusive Ireland Scholarship Award. Martha was one of only 68 students, out of 1,200 applicants, awarded this prestigious international scholarship. She will spend Spring 2023 studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland. 

Fund for Education Abroad’s mission is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students with financial needs who are underrepresented among the U.S. study-abroad population. The organization “makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs”.

According to Sarah Akiwumi, Global Education Coordinator at Bennett College, “Martha Hallmon is such a powerful student. It has been a delight seeing her intentionally prepare to study abroad in Ireland. I believe Martha will go far with her interest in gaining a mutual understanding of different cultures, compassion for her elementary-age students, and heart for fighting social injustices through mental health. I believe the parallels in Ireland’s systems, history, and culture will serve as a great learning atmosphere for Martha and allow her to return and inspire others in the Bennett community and surrounding areas.“

Martha also received the prestigious and highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman Award for the March 2022 cycle, as well as scholarship funds for her study-abroad journey to Ireland. The Gilman Scholarship, offered by the U.S. Department of State, enables American students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures — skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. Once a student finishes their study abroad journey as a Gilman Scholar, they become a Gilman Alumni. Gilman scholars are eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government. 

For more information about international opportunities visit the Center for Global Studies – Bennett College.