New scholarship fund to help disadvantaged university students
Helping disadvantaged students is the aim of the first Annual Appeal by the University of Newcastle (UON) Foundation.
Funds raised from the appeal will support the new Shaping Futures Scholarship Fund, providing scholarships of $4,000 per student.
Psychology student Lisa Whitten from Berkeley Vale has been helped by one of these scholarships.
Lisa is a single mum and sole foster carer for four little girls – two sets of sisters, aged four, five, six and eight.
Lisa left school in Year 9 and worked in supermarkets and department stores. But she decided she wanted to pursue a career in psychology so she completed Open Foundation and is now studying at the Central Coast campus.
“My dream is to work with children, especially those who have been abused or abandoned.
“I believe I owe it to myself and to my children to have the courage to live a life of purpose. This scholarship has helped not only me but my four girls. It has relieved the financial pressure on my family.”
University of Newcastle (UON) Foundation CEO Louise O’Connell said there were many students, like Lisa, who faced great challenges in their lives and needed help and support to get an education.
“Many students face great adversity such as medical conditions, disabilities, carer responsibilities, family issues and financial disadvantage.
Through this appeal we want to increase the number of student scholarships we can provide.”
Scholarships support students with expenses such as fees, text books, computer equipment, living expenses and accommodation costs.
Mrs Jennie Thomas has made the first donation to the new scholarship fund. She is encouraging other community members to join her by making a donation.
“We just don’t have enough scholarships to assist so many excellent students who really need help. If we pool our donations together, we can make a big difference.
“Every dollar contributed will be used to help our needy students get an education that can change their lives forever.”
The number of scholarships awarded will be dependent on the amount raised.
The appeal will run until October. To make a donation can contact the UON Foundation on (02) 49217 453 or visit the website at www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation/annual-appeal.
About the UON Foundation:
The UON Foundation is the platform for philanthropic support for the University of Newcastle. Donations help fund student scholarships, academic positions and research.
Media contact: Tanya Carlyle, UON Foundation Marketing & Communication Coordinator,
(02) 4985 4178 or 0407 276 061.