Now in its fourth year, the Youth Opportunities scholarship program is arguably now more important than ever to assist our graduates to overcome barriers to learning and achieving due to financial circumstances.
Each year, the Youth Opportunities Volunteer Sponsorship and Scholarship Committee awards scholarships of academic tutoring, financial support and career guidance to graduates of the Personal Leadership Program who have demonstrated that they embrace the principles and practices of our program, to support them in achieving their education and/or career goals.
Earlier this year, the committee came together and have now awarded another 13 scholarships to graduates from across nine SA schools, including one ‘renewal’ scholarship awarded to a previous recipient who has shown continued effort, promise and progress toward achieving their goal, as well as financial need. The number of scholarships awarded is lower than the last round, due to current restrictions limiting some items requested, but we anticipate once restrictions are lifted, applications will increase significantly.
Scholarships awarded in the latest round included laptops, course fees, equipment specific to courses, tutoring and career guidance.
We are excited to also award a new scholarship this year from Karin Harris, a long-time supporter of Youth Opportunities who is currently volunteering her time by sitting on our Sponsorship and Scholarship Committee. Karin has been so impressed with the positive impact our scholarships can have on young people’s lives, and so moved by the challenges she sees our young people facing, she decided to award a scholarship herself. This scholarship is for a fully paid University degree, meaning Youth Opportunities is now able to offer two tertiary education degrees, including the other through our partnership with the Adam Scott Foundation.
Earlier on this year, Youth Opportunities announced the 2020 winner of the Adam Scott Foundation Youth Opportunities Scholarship, which is a fully paid tertiary scholarship, to Chloe from Kapunda. You can read the exciting announcement here.
We would also like to welcome and thank John Tanti, Mario Corena – who has created the Lauren Corena Scholarships – Karen Farmer and Nicole Cornes, who have signed on as new Scholarship sponsors this year, and to EDP, Graham Hobbs, The Kain Foundation, Peter Marshman, Wes and Sue Seja, Thyne Reid Foundation and The Wyatt Trust for their ongoing commitment to, and support of, the scholarships program.
The scholarships program has been a great achievement for all concerned and we are delighted to see so many young people supported in their study or career ambitions.
If you, your business or family trust would like to become a partner of our scholarships program, please reach out to our Partnership Manager Kate Chapley at kate.chapley@youthopps.com.au or on 0416 092 070.