The Greater Shepparton Foundation was thrilled to award its 2025 Lift Off Education Scholarships at a ceremony earlier this month.
This awards ceremony also celebrated a significant milestone in the scholarship program’s 11-year history: the awarding of its 150th Lift Off Education Scholarship.
A total of $90,000 in Lift Off Education Scholarships was announced and awarded to 18 successful applicants who have now begun their further education.
All recipients completed their secondary schooling at various schools across the Goulburn Valley and received scholarships ranging from one to three years.
This annual event is much loved by our team.
We are honoured that, with the support of our scholarship sponsors, we can present these local people with the support they need to start them on the journey of their educational aspirations and ultimately achieve their goals and dreams.
This year, the scholarships have been supported by the Margaret Attwood Trust, Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Alliance, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, Greater Shepparton Foundation, Bendigo Bank Connected Communities, La Trobe University, Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Scholarship, CVGT Employment and the Sampson Leadership Program.
The awards ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for recipients to personally meet their scholarship sponsors and connect with fellow scholarship recipients who are all about to begin their next chapter.
This process opens doors for these students to establish connections, new networks, mentorship and friendships.
This year saw a significant increase in applications and interest, highlighting the growing need for educational support in our community.
By helping to overcome financial and other barriers, the program empowers students to achieve their educational aspirations and reach their full potential.
The scholarships address the growing challenge faced by people who cannot afford the transition from secondary to post-secondary education.
Research indicates that young people from non-metropolitan regions in Victoria, including Shepparton, defer university studies at twice the rate of their metropolitan peers.
Currently, only half of our young people complete secondary school, and just a quarter continue to tertiary education.
The Greater Shepparton Foundation partnered with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project to address barriers to further education.
Over the years, the program has collaborated with more than 40 businesses and philanthropic partners to support local students.
Reflecting on the Lift Off Scholarship program, it is inspiring to see the impact on the 150 young people who have been supported in continuing their studies, with the hope that many will return to the region as professionals across various industries.
Lift Off Education Scholarships are available to people aged 16 and above, including mature-age students, for approved higher education courses such as diplomas and bachelor programs.
Scholarships range from $2000 for one year to up to $10,000 over three years.
The Lift Off Scholarship program welcomes applications for postgraduate studies, from students who have taken a gap year, Year 12 students wanting to continue to tertiary study, students looking to undertake a pathway course and local people returning to study.
More information regarding Lift Off Education Scholarships can be found on the ‘Scholarships’ page on the GSF website; go to www.greatershepparton.foundation.
