Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has launched one of Australia’s largest university scholarship programs.
Up to 60 new scholarships will be awarded to first-time students whose circumstances might otherwise preclude them from accepting their university course offer.
And 15 more students will enter their second year under the program, first launched with just one scholarship in 2007.
Officially opening applications for the 2012 academic year, Chairman Robert Johanson, said the surge in new scholarship numbers came after the Bank invited its Community Bank® and other partners to join the program.
“We were overwhelmed by their enthusiastic response,” Mr Johanson said.
“More than 20 of our community partners will provide a total of up to 40 scholarships to students from their local areas and three more students will be funded by Bank associate companies.”
The first scholarship program was launched in 2007 to provide some financial support to disadvantaged, yet academically outstanding rural and regional students moving away from home to start their university studies.
Mr Johanson said the program’s rapid expansion shows the wider Bank community’s commitment to building stronger communities.
“Influences like family circumstances, drought, natural disasters, debt and unemployment have a significant impact on a young person’s ability to continue their education,” he said.
‘’Thanks to our Community Bank® partners, Bendigo Community Telco, Lead On Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye & Districts Community Enterprise joining with the Bank in this program, now even more students in regional locations and selected city locations can achieve their academic dreams and maybe one day use their skills and knowledge to benefit their local community.
“The scholarship is currently supporting students who will join the workforce and the community in future roles such as doctors, occupational therapists, IT professionals, dentists, engineers and scientists, so its reach and impact will be significant.”
Last year, Nicole Feast received a scholarship to assist with accommodation costs while studying a Science degree at the University of Melbourne. Ms Feast said the receiving the scholarship made it easier for her to live away from her home in Mount Gambier.
“I had to find a lot of help if I was going to make my dreams come true, and I’m so grateful that Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has supported me to get to university.’’
Successful applicants will initially receive funding for one year and depending on academic performance, the scholarship may be renewed to support their second year of study.
Applications for 2012 will close at 5pm (AEDST) Friday 27 January 2012.
This is the sixth year the Bank has offered the scholarship program.
For more information about the 2012 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship, visit www.bendigoadelaide.com.au/scholarships