Sponsoring a Lift Off Education Scholarship provides a valuable, lasting impact on a local person’s life, by helping them achieve their higher education aspirations.
Since inception, the scholarships have supported more than 150 young people into further education and pathways.
More than 70 sponsors, businesses and countless individuals have supported the scholarships over the past 11 years to provide more than $700,000 in financial support.
With applications for the 2026 Lift Off Education Scholarships opening in September, even more local students will have the opportunity to receive this valuable financial support.
We welcome donations from individuals, businesses, a consortium of businesses, education institutions, philanthropic donors, family trusts, service clubs and individuals via direct donations that contribute to an overall scholarship.
All opportunities to donate are 100 per cent tax-deductible and provide significant impact when supporting a local person’s education, which flows on to support their career aspirations.
Service clubs have been long-time supporters of Lift Off Education Scholarships and this year we are proud to welcome the Lions Club Scholarship, supported by seven Lions Clubs across the Goulburn Valley.
We are also thrilled to deliver the Lance Woodhouse OAM Scholarship and Keppel Turnour OAM Scholarship on behalf of the Rotary Club of Shepparton.
These two scholarships will be awarded in memory of the significant contribution of these visionary leaders and the legacy they leave the Greater Shepparton community.
Shepparton South Rotary Club is another local service club that established a scholarship to support young people in the community.
Last week, the club welcomed 2024 recipient Ella Kightly to present and update members on her progress towards a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science.
“Youth development is a key focus of our club, and we are committed to helping local young people achieve their educational, leadership and community aspirations,” the club said.
“The Lift Off program aligns closely with our youth charter and values, making it a meaningful initiative for us to support.”
Where possible, we match scholarship recipients with a sponsor from a complementary business or profession to their studies or from the same geographic location.
This in turn offers the possibility for connection and mentorship.
Sponsors are encouraged to meet their scholarship recipient at an announcement event in February and receive progress reports from the student they have supported.
Scholarships range from $5000 to $10,000, but financial support can be designed to meet individual requirements, including partial sponsorship or general contributions.
Your support is 100 per cent tax-deductible and will be utilised for the specific purpose of the 2026 round of Lift Off Scholarships.
The Lift Off Education Scholarship program was established in partnership with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, in response to the increasing number of young people not able to afford the transition from secondary education to post-secondary education.
Studies showed that young people from non-metropolitan regions, such as the Goulburn Valley, deferred university studies at twice the rate of their metropolitan counterparts.
Alongside supporting young school-leavers, applications are open to local people returning to study.
This expansion is a direct response to the financial challenges faced by those electing to take on study and the commitment required to invest in education.
If you are interested in becoming a Lift Off scholarship program supporter, please contact me at info@greatershepparton.foundation
Alternatively you can visit our Lift Off Education Scholarship page at greatershepparton.foundation/scholarships.
Until next time.
Amanda McCulloch
Executive officer
