The academic dreams of 71 students have become a reality, thanks to one of Australia’s largest scholarship programs.
A further 14 students will start their second year of higher education under the program, which was first launched by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank with just one scholarship back in 2007.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarships are awarded to first-time tertiary students whose financial circumstances mean attaining a university degree is out of their reach.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chairman, Robert Johanson, said the scholarship program helps students who experience crisis such as family breakdowns, illness, drought, natural disasters, debt and unemployment.
“We want to make a difference to outstanding, but disadvantaged regional students who are unable to access higher education because of significant accommodation and study costs which can place considerable pressure on an already struggling family,’’ Mr Johanson said.
‘’These scholarships will mean that young people will have the chance to become doctors, occupational therapists, IT professionals, dentists, engineers, scientists or whatever they dream to be; so its reach and impact will be significant.
‘’The successful students are very deserving of a scholarship and I wish them all the best of luck as they begin an exciting journey toward achieving their goals,’’ he said.
Mr Johanson said the number of scholarships recipients has almost tripled this year compared to last, after the Bank invited its Community Bank® network and other partners to join the program.
“Our Community Bank® partners, Bendigo Community Telco, Lead On Bendigo and the Strathfieldsaye & Districts Community Enterprise have joined with the Bank and thrown their support behind this program.
“Now even more students in regional locations and selected city locations can achieve their academic aspirations and maybe one day use their skills and knowledge to benefit their local community.’
‘’This is just one of the ways our Bank commits to building stronger communities,’’ Mr Johanson said.
Former Bendigo Senior Secondary College student, Ilona Jakab, almost aced her Year 12 exams to secure a place studying Biomedicine at University of Melbourne. However, the Maldon teen said without the Bank’s support, moving to Melbourne to pursue this goal would not have been possible.
“It’s great to know that I have financial support to start my degree, which means I don’t have to worry about how I will pay to live away from home,” Ms Jakab said.
