Businesses and organisations passionate about supporting the region’s youth are being encouraged to attend the launch of new scholarship program by Bundaberg Regional Council next month.
The Bundaberg Region Youth Scholarship Awards (BRYSA) recognises and supports youth who have overcome significant obstacles in pursuit of their personal achievements and is aimed at providing more opportunity to pursue their education and training goals.
The merit-based scholarships will be awarded to six recipients between the ages of 15 to 24, selected annually from a pool of nominations across the region.
The scholarship awards are made up of allocated funding to be used for continued education or training and help to support social and economic development.
The program will be officially launched on Tuesday 4 July from 7 am to 8.30 am at the Bundaberg Multiplex, with all interested businesses and community organisations invited to attend.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the initiative was created as the next step of the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment program.
“Bundaberg Jobs Commitment is all about connecting employers with our youth to inspire and assist them in making decisions to pursue a life that includes work and education after they leave school,” he said.
“It was originally created to address the region’s high youth unemployment and disengagement rates and, with the introduction of the BRYSA initiative, we hope even more students will take up local education/training opportunities to grow, learn, and prosper within the Bundaberg Region community.”
Local organisations support Bundaberg Region Youth Scholarship Awards
A number of organisations have come on board to support the BRYSA initiative through an advisory group and include CQUniversity, Link and Launch and Bundaberg Region Youth Services.
Herna Conradie from the STEPS program said CQUniversity was fully committed to supporting the initiative by actively engaging in the advisory committee role and providing mentorship to recipients to help them achieve their goals and aspirations.
“We stand firmly behind this program, working hand in hand with the recipients, to ensure their dreams are nurtured and their opportunities identified,” Herna said.
“I am looking forward to seeing how determined and resilient young individuals who are willing to put in the effort required to achieve success will be identified through this program.
“These deserving individuals will not only receive financial support, but also have access to a strong support network.”
Link and Launch, Department of Education's Rebecca Egan said the BRYSA initiative aligned perfectly with the organisation's goals.
“Our mission is it empower and uplift all of our youth in the Bundaberg community, providing them with the educational opportunities they deserve,” she said.
“Through the BRYSA, we aim to break down barriers and open doors to a brighter future for our young people.
“I am really excited to be a part of this program as it is so important to support all of our youth in the community and a great opportunity to allow our youth to ‘be what they can't always see’ – creating positive change in our community.”
Bundaberg Region Youth Services' Viki Hannah said the scholarship program represented hope for young people and recognition for their efforts in meeting personal challenges
“For me, the message this sends is that ‘we see you',” she said.
“Vulnerable young people are often represented for things that are negative in our community and yet so much is achieved.
“Council being inclusive with this program is a positive for the whole of our great community.”
About the Bundaberg Region Youth Scholarship Awards
Scholarships in the amount of $2000 per student award will be available each calendar year for the following categories:
- Two recipients beginning (or continuing) university studies
- Two recipients beginning (or continuing) studies in VET pathway
- Two recipients beginning (or continuing) apprenticeship/traineeship
The Bundaberg Region Youth Scholarship Awards launch event is scheduled for 4 July 2023 from 7 am to 8.30 am at the Bundaberg Multiplex.
If your organisation is interested in attending and learning more about how to get involved in the Bundaberg Region Youth Scholarship Awards program, RSVP and find out more here.
