Young adults leaving Out of Home Care who qualify for university will have access to lucrative scholarships thanks to a $240,000 grant from the NSW Government.
Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet said eight scholarships to Western Sydney University (WSU) are up for grabs.
“There are many young people in foster care in our area and these scholarships provide them with a pathway to study at a world class university,” said Mr Perrottet.
“Sadly many teenagers in Out of Home Care don’t have access to the financial, emotional and social support other students have when pursuing tertiary education.
“These scholarships will help cover the cost of their course ensuring there is one less hurdle for them to overcome and they can focus on their studies.”
Mr Perrottet said the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) will fund the scholarships which are worth $7,500 per student per year over four years.
Minister for Family and Community Services Brad Hazzard has urged Year 12 students in foster care currently sitting the HSC to consider WSU for this opportunity.
“Education can provide a pathway out of disadvantage and there are few people who have been more disadvantaged than those growing up in care,” said Mr Hazzard.
“These scholarships will give vulnerable young people who qualify for tertiary education, or who are undergraduates already, the financial leg up they deserve.”
To be eligible, applicants must get accepted to WSU or be enrolled in a part-time or full-time course at WSU, and must be in or have left OOHC in the last three years.
Western Sydney University Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Dr Andy Marks said scholarship winners will be able to study from over 100 Bachelor degrees on offer.
“We have a longstanding record of supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access the highest quality educational opportunities,” Dr Marks said.
“These scholarships will ensure those most in need have the opportunity to succeed at university, follow their aspirations and contribute to society.”
Mr Perrottet said applications are now open and will be awarded in 2017.
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