More young people in out-of-home-care (OOHC) will have an opportunity to pursue their university dreams, with the NSW Government funding 10 scholarships across Charles Sturt University’s six regional campuses.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the scholarships will provide a life-changing opportunity for young people in regional NSW who want to pursue further studies after school.
“More young people across the regions will receive financial support so they can continue their studies, while being able to attend university closer to home,” Mr Toole said.
“It is another way the NSW Government is helping those in rural and regional areas reach their full potential without having to leave their communities.”
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said each scholarship provides up to $28,500 across three years of study; enough to earn an undergraduate degree.
“These scholarships will support young people who have experienced trauma and other challenges to secure a brighter future,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“They will offer much-needed support to students from regional, rural and remote areas across the State who are in OOHC, or have been in Foster or Kinship care in the last three years.”
Director of University Advancement Sarah Ansell welcomed the partnership with the NSW Government.
“The University looks forward to working with the Government to make a positive impact on young people who have aspirations to come to university, but may lack traditional family support structures,” Ms Ansell said.
“The scholarships ensure they can study with confidence, knowing that they are adequately supported throughout their degree.”
The scholarships will be available at each of the Charles Sturt University campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.
The NSW Government also funds scholarships for young people in OOHC through Western Sydney University.
Information about the CSU scholarships can be found here.