Since 2014, Lift Off has supported 105 local students into post-secondary education by helping to overcome financial and other barriers to their education aspirations and to achieving their full potential.
The program was established in response to the increasing number of young people not able to afford the transition from secondary education to post-secondary education.
Greater Shepparton Foundation partnered with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project to break down these barriers.
Over the past eight years, more than $470,000 has been raised for the scholarship program with the support of local businesses and individuals.
Lift Off Scholarship committee chair Mary-Ann Linehan said the assistance could make a big difference for those wanting to get into tertiary education.
She said one of the reasons students were struggling to get into tertiary education was the cost of living.
“At a time when the cost of living is increasing, it is becoming harder and harder for families to be able to support their children moving away from home to pursue their education,” Ms Linehan said.
The scholarship program welcomes applications for post-graduate studies and from students who have taken a gap year, as well as Year 12 students wanting to continue on to tertiary study.
Goulburn Valley school leavers primarily aged 17 to 24 years who have attended secondary schooling in these communities are eligible to apply: Kyabram, Nathalia, Numurkah, Cobram, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Euroa and Rushworth.
Greater Shepparton Foundation chief executive Amanda McCulloch said the scholarship was important for students.
“A generous donation will also be made in 2023, with every Lift Off scholarship interviewee also receiving a laptop through the Laptops with Love program, thanks to Greater Shepparton Lighthouse,” Ms McCulloch said.
If you would like to donate to the scholarship program, contact Amanda McCulloch on 0447 400 443 or email at amanda@greatershepparton.foundation
Scholarship guidelines and a link to the online application form can be found on the Scholarships page at www.greatershepparton.foundation. Applications close on Friday, December 16.
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