Some of the state’s most disadvantaged young people will be supported to achieve their academic aspirations as part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Youth Development Scholarships program.
Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said young people across NSW 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 in our community,” Mr Singh said.
The program supports 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.
The funds can be used to help pay for education-related expenses such as textbooks, IT equipment and internet access, and applications are now open for the $1,000 scholarships to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 or TAFE equivalent.
Nationals 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.
The Youth Development Scholarships program is part of Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW, a 10-year plan to drive better outcomes for social housing tenants.
For more information on how to apply, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/scholarships.
