The Hunter Region not-for-profit organisation, Mentor Support Network, celebrates a highlight of its year with the presentation of 2025 Educational Scholarship Certificates to 47 high school and trade college students next Tuesday (13 May).
Chairperson of Mentor Support Network (MSN), Julie Rich, said the financially disadvantaged students from 11 regional high schools and a trade college had been successful in applying for a scholarship to help with their senior studies in 2025.
She said MSN was a dynamic not-for-profit organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges and that each year MSN conducts a scholarship program where scholarships range in value up to $2,000.
Details of the presentation ceremony are:
Date: Tuesday, 13 May
Time: Midday (for 1.15pm start)
Venue: Newcastle Harness Racing Club, Broadmeadow
Guest Speaker: Deputy Director of the Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, Dr Drew Miller
Julie said that MSN works very strongly with regional high schools and education institutions as the organisation’s scholarships are designed to mainly assist eligible students who must be 15 years of age when entering Year 11 studies in 2025.
“We also have TAFE students and students from independent colleges apply for scholarships which are granted to those applicants who demonstrate the drive and determination to achieve educational goals, despite experiencing financial need,” said Julie.
“The scholarships are not necessarily awarded because of academic achievement, but rather because of a student’s demonstrated desire to succeed.
“The overall goal of the scholarship program is to assist disadvantaged young people to stay in senior years at high school or in vocational training and reach their potential in terms of individual education and career goals.”
Students from the following schools and trade college will receive certificates next Tuesday:
- Callaghan Campus – Jesmond
- Cooks Hill Campus – Newcastle
- Lambton High School
- Newcastle High School
- Maitland High School
- Glendale Technology High School
- Hunter Trade College – Telarah
- Hunter River High School
- Lake Macquarie High School
- St Francis Xavier’s College – Hamilton
- Toronto High School
- West Wallsend High School
Julie said the successful group of students, who must be nominated by support teachers or similar personnel to apply for a scholarship, underwent interviews last October and were notified during November about their result. Many students started using their scholarship funds in late 2024 as they prepared for the 2025 academic year with the purchase of new computers being a popular
item.
“MSN would not be able to conduct its educational scholarship program if not for the great contribution each year by sponsors, donors, members and supporters,” Julie explained.
“We are very thankful for the support we receive for our annual fundraising campaign and representatives of all our sponsors will be recognised on Tuesday as part of our presentation ceremony.”