$8,000 Annual Cash Scholarships up for Grabs
0If the idea of going to university next year is an impossibility – not because of your grades but because of the financial barriers – then Council is here to help.
Council’s brand new $750,000 fund for equity scholarships has been launched by Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace and has been welcomed by educators across the region as a lifeline for families who simply can afford to send their kids to uni.
“There are too many smart, determined, talented local kids who are missing out on the opportunity to reach their full career potential because university was just unaffordable for their family,” said Mayor Allan Sutherland.
“Our equity scholarships tear down those barriers by gifting cash bursaries worth $8,000 each year for local students to study at the new USC Petrie campus, when it opens next year.”
That means beneficiaries will receive a total payment of either $32,000 or $40,000 – depending on whether they study a single degree fulltime over four years or dual degrees over five years.
Division 4 Councillor Julie Greer said it was an investment in the region’s future.
“This will not only change the lives of some of our best and brightest students – but also help to transform the region itself,” she said.
“Our region’s higher education rate is approximately half the national average and we need to change that.
“I see the opening of the USC’s Petrie’s campus as the start of an exciting new chapter in our history, and I hope the private sector will follow in our lead by offering similar scholarships and work placements for talented local kids.”
North Lakes State College Principal Samantha Knowles welcomed the announcement.
“North Lakes State College’s vision is to inspire our students to dream and succeed now and into the future. And for our students that dream of a university education, this cash bursary could remove a real obstacle that exists for some of our students to achieve that dream” she said.
“When the local community invests in the future of its local students by ensuring equitable access to higher education everybody benefits.”
School co-captain Cally Waldron agreed.
“The University opening in Petrie is really exciting for year 12s, a lot of my friends are looking at studying there because it’s so close to home,” she said.
“I’m hoping to study medicine which unfortunately won’t be on offer here in 2020, but hopefully the campus grows.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council has allocated $750,000 for equity scholarships that will help tear down the financial barriers holding back local kids from pursuing tertiary education.
Council will provide cash bursaries worth $8,000 each year for local students who choose to study at the new USC Petrie campus, when it opens next year.
“Our region’s higher education rate is approximately half the national average.”
“Statistics show students residing in areas of high disadvantage are significantly less likely to engage in tertiary education and complete Year 12 studies.
“We need to change that story for the Moreton Bay Region.
“I see the opening of the USC’s Petrie’s campus as the start of an exciting new chapter in our history, but for many local families the expense of tertiary study will remain an insurmountable barrier.
“I’m proposing for Council to remove that obstacle by offering equity scholarships which support our outstanding young locals in financial hardship to achieve their academic and career goals.
“This will not only change the lives of some of our best and brightest students – but also help to transform the region itself.”
Applications will open in September 2019, with USC administering all aspects of the MBRC Equity Scholarships.
