• NSW Government funds 10 scholarships at Charles Sturt University for young people who have experienced out-of-home care
• The scholarships are valued at up to $28,500 across three years of study in an undergraduate degree

Charles Sturt University has 10 scholarships on offer, worth up to $28,500 each, for young people who have experienced out-of-home care to obtain an undergraduate degree.

The NSW Department of Community and Justice-Stronger Communities Scholarships were announced recently by the Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Minister for Families and Community and Minister for Disability Services.

Scholarships are available to young people who have been in out-of-home care in the past three years who commence any undergraduate degree offered online and at Charles Sturt campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.

The scholarships are offered through two payments per year for three years.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon welcomed the partnership and the opportunity to offer young people in care the chance to obtain their higher education goals.

“Charles Sturt University looks forward to working with the Department in making a positive impact on young people with aspirations to come to University but who may lack traditional family support structures,” she said.

“The level of support ensures that they can study with confidence knowing that they are adequately supported throughout their degree.”

Applicants must have been in out-of-home care in the past three years, currently in statutory out-of-home care or legally been under a guardianship order or adopted. Applicants must provide a statement indicating how they believe the scholarship will assist them and their future career.

Mrs Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the scholarships aimed to give extra help to young people who have experienced trauma and other challenges.

“Young people who need out-of-home care often face extra barriers compared to their peers,” she said.

“This delivers financial support to young people who need it, encouraging them to consider university as an option.”

Students can apply at study.csu.edu.au/stronger-scholarship and applications will close at 9am on Friday 3 February 2023.

ENDS