Students of any age who are taking up tertiary level studies in early 2022 can now apply to the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation for an Education Support Award or for a place on the Mentoring or Rural Youth Leadership Programs run by Youthrive Victoria. Applications are open on our website now until Sunday 21st November 2021 – www.mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au.
The Education Support Program was started by the Community Foundation back in 2013, to provide financial support to assist students in accessing tertiary education, whether University, TAFE or other recognised post-secondary courses.
“The financial challenges faced by rural students are significant. The Education Support Awards are targeted at supporting students in managing some of the upfront costs, like accommodation bonds, books and laptops,” explained Diana Mueller, Chair of Community Engagement and Grants Committee. “In the last 8 years, more than $150,000 has gone to approximately 85 students.”
Since 2018 the program has also included opportunities for mentoring and leadership development through a collaboration with Youthrive Victoria. This support acknowledges the developmental challenges rural students face in this transition, particularly when they move away from support networks to take up their education (indicated by high drop-out rates). There has been great feedback from the students who have taken up these opportunities.
The Community Bank Mirboo North & District has always been a supporter of the Education Support Program, through their Sub-Fund.
“In addition to this on-going support, we are very pleased to announce that the Community Bank Mirboo North & District will this year sponsor a two-year Education Support Award for two students leaving Secondary College and heading to university,” said Ruth Rogan, Executive Officer. “These students will receive financial support of $3,000 in their first and second years of their University Course.”
Have a look at the application form on our website now: www.mirboodistrictoundation.org.au.