Lift Off scholarships break down financial barriers for local young people's tertiary education

Shepparton's Jerrin Thyparambil was just one recipient of last year's scholarship.

Moving away to study a Bachelor of Information Technology at Ballarat’s Federation University, the $10,000 scholarship, paid over three years, helped him meet tertiary course fees.

“The scholarship was of great help when it came to meeting my expenses at the start of the year,” he said.

“With the course fees and the expense of moving away from home, this helped me focus on starting my studies on a positive note.

“I was very grateful to receive this support from Lift Off.”

Shepparton's Gabi Sargant was also brought one step closer to her dreams thanks to a $4000 grant to study at Bendigo’s La Trobe University.

She is embarking on a Bachelor of Dental Science.

“Receiving this scholarship relieved a lot of stress and worry about paying for many of the costs that you just don’t consider at the start of your studies,” she said.

“The support meant I didn’t have to work as much and could focus on my studies, which is a huge relief when you are first starting out.

“It was a wonderful feeling to receive the scholarship from Lift Off.”

Education scholarships ranging from $2000 to $10,000 are awarded to Goulburn Valley school leavers primarily aged 17 to 24 years for approved higher education courses including diplomas and bachelor programs.

Students are eligible to apply if they have attended secondary schooling in Kyabram, Nathalia, Numurkah, Cobram, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Euroa or Rushworth.

Medical scholarships of up to $10,000, supported by The Goulburn Valley Medical Workforce Fund, are awarded to open-age secondary school graduates in the Goulburn Valley who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, allied health or nursing.

“Our investment of more than $300,000 since 2014 into helping these young people chase their education dreams is, we believe, one of the most satisfying ways we can support our young people, and in the long term our community,” Lift Off Scholarship committee chair Mary-Ann Linehan said.

“I would urge anyone interested in supporting a young person into higher education to contact Lift Off to find out how they can be involved.”

The scholarship program was established to address a rising number of young people unable to afford the transition from secondary education to post-secondary education.

Research has revealed young people from non-metropolitan regions like the Goulburn Valley defer university studies at twice the rate of their metropolitan counterparts.

Only half of young people finish secondary school and a quarter go on to tertiary education.

These alarming results prompted Greater Shepparton Foundation to partner with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project to seek sponsorship from local businesses to help break down barriers for students.

“We are delighted with the results of the program,” Greater Shepparton Foundation chief executive Cheryl Hammer said.

“With more than $130,000 available for study in 2021 we can support a new intake of our young people after one of the most difficult years students have faced due to COVID-19.”

Scholarship guidelines and a link to the online application form can be found on the scholarships page on the foundation’s website at greatershepparton.foundation

Applications close at 5 pm on Wednesday, December 16.