Young students in the Hunter Region who may be experiencing financial difficulty to complete their senior high school years or trade programs are being given the opportunity to apply for an educational scholarship for the 2027 academic year.
Not-for-profit organisation, Mentor Support Network (MSN), has just announced it is calling for applications for its 2027 scholarship program and hopes to offer 50 scholarships for next year.
Chair of MSN, Julie Rich, said scholarships were valued at up to $2,000 and available to school students entering Year 11 in 2027 and to students entering the final years of their trade course.
“We were able to offer more than 50 scholarships this year through the assistance of some very dedicated sponsors and we are hopeful of offering a similar number to eligible students in 2027,’ said Julie.
“Our general educational scholarship program been very successful and since 2008 we have assisted more than 600 wonderful students studying at Hunter Region high schools, vocational colleges and TAFE.”
The timetable for 2027 Educational Scholarship Program is:
|
Date |
Event |
Note |
|
July 2026 |
Scholarship applications open. |
First Week Term 3 – Tues, 21 July |
|
Sept 2026 |
Applications close. |
Last Day Term 3 – Friday, 25 Sept |
|
Oct 2026 |
Applications reviewed and students short-listed for interview |
|
|
Oct 2026 |
Students contacted re: outcome of application process. Successful students invited for interview. |
|
|
Oct 2026 |
Interviews conducted with successful applicants. |
Second Week 2 Term 4 – from Monday, 19 October |
|
Nov 2026 |
Students contacted re: interview outcome. |
Early November |
|
Nov 2026 |
Scholarships operational for 2027 academic year. |
Allows students to purchase equipment for 2027 academic year |
|
May 2027 |
Presentation Ceremony – all successful students invited to attend. |
Venue: Newcastle Harness Racing Club, Broadmeadow |
Julie said MSN was a dynamic not-for-profit organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges.
“The scholarships are awarded based on a student’s demonstrated desire to succeed and not because of academic achievement,” she said.
“The overall goal of the scholarship program is to assist disadvantaged young people stay in senior years at high school or vocational training and reach their education and career goals potential.
“Applicants must be nominated by a school/college/organisation representative and must include an individual letter of reference from the supporting person.
“We have already been in contact with regional high schools and education institutions to promote the 2027 Educational Scholarship program and our Scholarship Sub-Committee has been encouraged by the initial feedback.
The above scholarship program is in addition to a Senior Educational Scholarship Program that was implemented by MSN this year.
A limited number of Senior Educational Scholarships valued at $500 were made available to existing scholarship holders who entered Year 12 this year to further assist their studies.
Julie said MSN had examined its overall scholarship program to assess what further opportunity the organisation could provide to support students who were committed to their studies and needed financial assistance to stay in the education system.
“The benefit to MSN is developing longer term relationships and demonstrating the impact of having access to a new ‘extension’ scholarship which provides further incentive for students to challenge themselves in their studies.”
Full details of the scholarship program are on the MSN website – www.mentorsupportnetwork.com.au
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Media inquiries can be directed to:
Chair of Mentor Support Network, Julie Rich,
on (m) 0413 511 141