Year 10,11 and 12 students experiencing disadvantage are being offered a $1,000 scholarship to achieve their academic aspirations as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarships program.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said young people across the Central Coast have had to endure the effects of the pandemic and adapt to new learning environments.
“The Youth Development Scholarship will help eliminate some of the barriers to higher education encountered by many individuals throughout our community,” Mr Crouch said.
“As students go back to face-to-face learning this week, after 65 days of online learning, I encourage every student on the Central Coast who may be eligible to apply.”
Youth Development Scholarships support young people living in social housing or on the housing register, students receiving private rental assistance, or those living in supported accommodation or out-of-home care.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the funds could be used to help pay for education-related expenses such as textbooks, IT equipment and internet access.
“A good education is the foundation for a better future. This program supports disadvantaged students by reducing financial barriers so they may engage in study,” Mr Henskens said.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said more than 3,300 students have been supported by the scholarship program since it was established in 2017.
“Fires, floods and COVID-19 have posed significant social and economic challenges for our communities, and have particularly affected young people,” Ms Mitchell said.
For more information on how to apply, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/scholarships.