Scholarship Opportunities for 2025

Image Source: Mentor Support Network

A Hunter Region not-for-profit organisation that assists financially disadvantaged students is calling applications for its 2025 Educational Scholarships that will assist students in the final years of their high school studies or vocational courses.

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Chair of the Scholarships Sub-committee for Mentor Support Network (MSN), Helen Doust, said applications open at the start of Term 3 of the school year and close in late September.

“A special selection committee will then hold interviews in October before the scholarships are activated in December for the 2025 academic year,” said Helen.

Mentor Support Network (MSN) is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges and is hoping to offer up to 50 scholarships for next year.

Helen said MSN presented a total of 47 scholarships at its 2024 Scholarship Presentation in May and was confident of having 50 scholarships, each valued at up to $2000, available for 2025 through the assistance of sponsors and donors.

The full timetable for the 2025 Educational Scholarship program is:

·         Applications for scholarships open mid-July 2024

·         Applications close late September 2024 - no late applications accepted

·         Applications reviewed and applicants shortlisted in early October 2024

·         Interviews for shortlisted applicants held in mid-October 2024

·         Outcome of interviews advised in November 2024

·         Scholarships operational in December for 2025 academic year

·         Formal presentation ceremony in early May 2025

Helen said MSN had already been in contact with regional high schools and education institutions to promote the 2025 Educational Scholarship program and that initial feedback had been encouraging.

“We work very strongly with regional high schools and education institutions as our scholarships are designed to mainly assist eligible students who must be 15 years of age entering Year 11 studies in 2025,” added Helen.

“However, we also have TAFE students and students from independent colleges apply for scholarships which are granted to those applicants who demonstrate the drive and determination to achieve educational goals, despite experiencing financial need.

“The scholarships are not necessarily awarded because of academic achievement, but rather because of a student’s demonstrated desire to succeed.

“The overall goal of the scholarship program is to assist disadvantaged young people to stay in senior years at high school or in vocational training and reach their potential in terms of individual education and career goals.”

MSN has awarded nearly 500 Educational Scholarships valued at $850,000 since it presented its first scholarship in 2008. Full details of the Education Scholarship Program are available by logging onto www.mentorsupportnetwork.com.au and visiting ‘Scholarships’ on the main menu.

Applicants must be nominated by a school/college/organisation representative and must include an individual letter of reference from the supporting person