Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has today launched one of Australia’s largest privately funded tertiary scholarship programs.
More than 100 scholarships will be awarded as part of the 2013 program – both to first year undergraduates as well as those second year students who received first year scholarship support in 2012.
“The program has grown immensely since its launch in 2007, especially in the past two years with the Bank’s corporate scholarships now joined by those offered by our supporting Community Bank® branches,” Chairman Robert Johanson said.
“This year the program supported 71 students to pursue their academic dreams and the program continues to grow which is good news for those students who face challenges in pursuing tertiary studies.”
In 2007 the corporate scholarship was launched to provide some financial support to disadvantaged, yet academically outstanding students living in rural and regional Australia who need to move away from home to commence their university studies.
Since then, the program has grown to include scholarships funded by supporting Community Bank® branches which are designed to support local students from their district.
Whilst the bulk of the scholarship program focuses on students from rural and regional locations, several metropolitan Community Bank® branches are also assisting local students from their district.
Mr Johanson said the program’s rapid expansion clearly demonstrates the wider Bank’s commitment to building stronger communities.
“The recent tough economic times as well as challenging family circumstances can have a significant impact on a young person’s ability to continue their education. The additional costs of living away from home prevent many people taking up their opportunities. We believe in helping build the capacity of communities and there’s no better way than supporting young people to pursue their dreams,” he said.
“Thanks to our ongoing partnership with Community Bank® branches, together we are supporting even more students to follow their academic dreams and maybe one day use their skills and knowledge to benefit their local community.
The corporate Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship supports outstanding students from rural and regional areas who need to move away from home to further their studies. Scholarships offered by participating Community Bank® branches aim to support local students with study-related costs.
Successful applicants initially receive funding for one year and, depending on academic performance, the scholarship may be renewed to support their second year of study.
A range of inspiring young people were recognised this year for their scholastic efforts including Tom Diaz, of Lamplough, in country Victoria. Tom has now completed his first year of an Arts degree at Melbourne University, whilst commuting each day from central Victoria so he could also continue to help on his family’s farm on weekends.
Another inspiring story is Ram Khanal, a Bhutanese refugee from Lavington, New South Wales who is studying Medical Science at the Australian National University in Canberra. Despite the challenges, with diligence and commitment to his studies together with tremendous support from his secondary school and family, Ram achieved wonderful academic results which made him an ideal candidate for his scholarship.
“Each of the 71 students awarded in 2012 had an inspiring story and this year we are pleased to be able to offer more students from more locations the opportunity to follow their dreams and to enter university,” Mr Johanson said.
Applications for the 2013 program will close on Friday 25 January 2013.
For more information about the 2013 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship, click here.