Scholarship funds to assist 177 future leaders
Following a year of disruption for tertiary education students, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, in conjunction with its partners, including local Community Banks, has provided almost $640,000 to 177 students as part of its 2021 Scholarship Program. The program, now in its 15th year, is designed to increase access to tertiary education for students across rural and regional Australia and nurture intellectual capital within the community.
Since 2007, the initiative has provided more than $10.2 million in support to 1,158 students, growing to become one of the leading privately funded scholarship programs in Australia. The majority of program funding is provided via the Bank's Community Bank network, with the financial support contributing to the costs of accommodation, travel, course materials, study equipment and tutoring.
Spanning seven categories, the 2021 program will see recipients study a range of professions spanning biological anthropology, psychology, law, radiography, biomedicine, nursing, arts, science and international studies.
Future leaders plan on giving back.
University of Melbourne student and scholarship recipient, Amber Jepsen, said: "I am currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts degree and with the support of Bendigo Bank, I am privileged enough to act upon my aspirations through the power of education. Throughout my life, I have experienced many physical and mental challenges that have seen me rely completely on the support of friends, family and medical professionals. I understand the overwhelming impact that generosity, compassion and selflessness can have on a person's life. For this reason, I aspire to use my education to develop a career that helps change someone’s world for the better”.
Queensland scholarship recipient, Darcy Douglas said "This year I will study a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) at University of Queensland's St Lucia campus and with this degree aim to use the gift of education toward the betterment of regional communities by becoming a financial leader within them, helping to create more favourable economic conditions and serving as a role model for youth. I hope to create the opportunities and culture necessary so that my children and the generations to follow may live a better life than me".
Commenting on the program, Jacqueline Hey, Chair of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank said: "Now in its 15th year, the program has assisted 1,158 Australian students to pursue tertiary education, many of whom have been disadvantaged by distance, financial means or difficult financial or personal circumstances. The expressed commitment of these students to overcoming these challenges and their determination to become leaders in their chosen fields and contribute back to society is cause for great hope. I wish all our recipients every success in their studies and future careers."
Nan Caple, Chair of the Community Bank National Council, the advisory board representing the more than 300 community enterprises operating Community Banks across Australia said: "Our Community Bank network is a grass roots social enterprise business model where revenue is generated by the Bank’s loyal customers and returned back into the community via grants, sponsorships, scholarships and donations. The costs associated with studying away from home can be significant and we are pleased to be able to support the career aspirations of young people from across regional Australia, many of whom will become advocates for, or in, rural and regional communities, and go on to build future careers."
Note: Scholarships for up to 97 second and third year students will be also be paid subject to continuing their studies and meeting the eligibility criteria.
Further information about the upcoming 2022 round of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank scholarships can be found here: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/community/scholarships/