Supporting students in education
Mentor Support Network (MSN) is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges.
Launched in 2002 to serve the Hunter Region, the main aim of MSN is to provide a pathway where students can reach their potential and complete their high school or vocational studies.
In essence, MSN strives to remove inequality for students who have proven potential but who are held back by financial disadvantage.
MSN was incorporated in 2005 and expanded its operations in 2008 from being a purely mentor support organisation to providing financial support through Educational Scholarships.
The scholarship program has grown to be the main focus of MSN following discussion with school support teachers about how best MSN can assist bright, capable students achieve their academic goal despite their financial or family circumstances.
MSN operates solely through the support of volunteers from professional, academic, corporate and community backgrounds. Funds raised go directly to supporting the youth of the Hunter Region.
Nearly 490 Educational Scholarships totalling $850,000 have been granted since 2008 – and the number is increasing!
Together, we are making a difference. We are providing an avenue to allow young people to stay in school or to complete vocational studies – we are changing lives through supporting educational opportunity.
How to become involved
MSN welcomes the support of corporate bodies and individuals through membership, donation or in-kind services.
In becoming a member, part of your subscription goes to helping a student through an educational scholarship while all donations go to the scholarship fund.
Core elements of MSN
Educational Scholarships
Educational scholarships are offered each year and, depending on funding from sponsors, donors and members, may total up to 50 scholarships in any one year.
MSN scholarship recipients are provided support by MSN volunteers to assist them in following the scholarship process and making positive choices for utilisation of all funds.
Applications are invited from young people studying in senior years at high schools and other educational institutions in the Hunter Region such as TAFE or enrolled in an apprenticeship program (including VET).
Scholarships are valued up to $2,000 for a 12-month period.
Supporting
MSN provides scholarship support to senior school students (or students studying at TAFE or a trade college) with recognised needs to assist them to overcome financial difficulties with their educational requirements. This support is designed to enable them to stay in school and have the equipment and resources to achieve their best possible results.
Networking
MSN knows the value of networking and participates in events and relevant opportunities. On occasions, MSN will host presentations with guest speakers to provide a networking opportunity for students, supporters and members.
Governance
MSN has a strong focus on governance and is powered by volunteers from professional, academic and community backgrounds.
It is a not-for-profit organisation with Deductible Gift Recipiency (DGR) status. All donations are tax deductible
If you’d like to know more, contact us or subscribe to our newsletter.