The Education Support Awards
These provide financial support to students in our District to help overcome the financial challenges of accessing tertiary education. The Education Support awards can be used for relocation costs, bonds, rent, course materials etc. These awards are distributed each year in February to the successful recipients.
The Community Bank Mirboo North & District has long been a supporter of the Education Support awards, through donations and the creation of the Community Bank and Co-operative Fund.
More recently the Community Bank Mirboo North & District has agreed to sponsor two-year Education Support Awards for students leaving Secondary College and heading to University. These students receive a $3,000 Education Support Award in their first and second year of University.
To date
We have given more than $250,000 in Education Support Awards to young people and mature aged students beginning tertiary education for the first time.
Our Partnership with Youthrive Victoria
Since 2018 the Community Foundation has been collaborating with Youthrive Victoria to include mentoring and leadership training within the Education Support Program.
These programs are currently being over-hauled by Youthrive and we will continue discussions to see how we can bring some of these opportunities to local students in 2025.
In the interim, there is a great opportunity for young people (up to 25) considering a course at TAFE: Youthrive has grants of $2,000 (for those staying local) or $5,000 (for those moving away) to study at TAFE. These grants would be in addition to an award from the Education Support Program. Find out more on their website.
Who can apply?
- People enrolled in or intending to enrol in their first year of a recognised course of study in the following year. [A recognised course is a course approved by Australian registration authority].
- Residents of or people with a strong demonstrable connection to the Mirboo North District (including Allambee, Berry's Creek, Boolarra, Budgeree, Childers, Darlimurla, Delburn, Dumbalk, Hallston, Mardan, Mirboo North, Mirboo, Narracan, Thorpdale and Yinnar and the many rural communities in between).
- Australian citizens, permanent residents and applicable visa holders.
What can the Education Support award be used for?
- Course fees
- Expenses related to living away from home (including rent / board)
- Expenses directly related to the course being undertaken (e.g. books, laptop, materials)
When do I apply?
Applications open on 31st July 2024 and will close on 20th November 2024.
How do I apply?
Please read the guidelines document and FAQs below before completing your application.
Each applicant must submit a Student Application Form and ensure that their Referee submits the Reference Form, for their application to be considered.
Education Support Program Guidelines
ES Awards FAQs
Online Student Application Form
Online Reference Form
If you have any questions please contact info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au or call 0418 301 092.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment focuses on the challenges facing applicants in accessing tertiary education: distance to access tertiary courses, moving away from support networks, personal challenges, financial challenges or health issues. The application form includes various types of challenges and the applicant should tick all that apply to their circumstances and then explain those in a bit more detail further down the form. Please refer to the FAQs for more information.
The application does also ask for detail on how the Education Support award will assist the applicant in their educational journey.
The information contained in all applications will be kept confidential.
Successful applicants?
Applicants will be notified in the second week of December of the outcome of their application. The awards evening will take place in early February (attendance is required).
Key Dates
Applications Open: 31st July 2024
Applications Close: 20th November 2024
Applicants Notified: December 2024
Awards Evening: February 2025