Lift Off Education Scholarships open this Monday, October 9, at 9am. Local young people aspiring to achieve their higher education dreams are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria and apply.
Scholarships are awarded to school leavers aged primarily 17 to 24 for approved higher education courses, including diplomas, and range from $2000 to $10,000. The scholarship program also welcomes applications for postgraduate studies from students who have taken a gap year or have undertaken a higher education pathway course in 2023.
Since 2014, Lift Off has assisted 120 young people to overcome financial and other barriers to their education dreams and to, in turn, achieve their full potential.
“The impact of this scholarship on my academic journey has been profound, enabling me to not only excel in my studies but also enjoy a more balanced and enriching life overall,” past recipient Morgan Vella said.
Lift Off is targeted at locally based students who attended secondary schooling in the following communities: Kyabram, Nathalia, Numurkah, Cobram, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Euroa and Rushworth.
2024 marks 10 years of our Lift Off program, which was established in partnership with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project. Lift Off was established in response to the increasing number of young people unable to afford the transition from secondary education to post-secondary education. Studies show that young people from non-metropolitan regions, such as the Goulburn Valley, defer university studies at twice the rate of their metropolitan counterparts.
“The Lift Off Scholarship has significantly alleviated the financial burden that often accompanies pursuing higher education,” Mr Vella said.
“As a result, I have been able to focus more on my studies and dedicate myself to achieving academic excellence without constantly worrying about how to cover essential living expenses.”
To provide these scholarships, more than $500,000 has been raised via 27 scholarship sponsors and community donations over the past decade. We aim to raise a further $500,000 to support another 120 students over the coming 10 years to achieve their further education aspirations.
Lift Off is having a life-changing impact on young people, financially supporting them with relocation costs, university fees, rent and school materials and providing a safety net between jobs. In fact, 100 per cent of evaluation participants agreed Lift Off had positively influenced the trajectory of their lives. Ninety-seven per cent by supporting them to participate in their chosen course; 95 per cent able to take advantage of opportunities not otherwise attainable. In addition, two thirds reported feeling more confident, appreciated and recognised, and better able to contribute to their community.
For more information on Lift Off Education Scholarships, please visit the ‘Scholarship’ page on our website at www.greatershepparton.foundation
If you are a business or community member wanting to donate and support a young person, you can make a tax-deductible donation online at www.shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/liftoffscholarships
Applications close on Friday, December 15. A link to apply online will be available on the Greater Shepparton Foundation website from 9am on Monday, October 9.
Until next time,
Amanda McCulloch,
Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
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