New scholarships will help ECU nursing, teaching and social work students with social and/or financial disadvantage.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Bendat Family Foundation are giving the next generation of teachers, social workers, nurses and midwives the best chance to achieve their career dreams - regardless of their background.
Starting in 2024, the Bendat Family Foundation Equity Scholarship Program will see nine students with social and/or financial disadvantage each receive up to $27,000 over the duration of their degree.
Interested future students can apply through ECU's Online Scholarship Application Portal by providing a personal statement, which demonstrates: their drive and commitment to establishing a career in their chosen field of study; desire to give back to their community despite financial hardship or other personal difficulty; and how the scholarship will assist them in addressing these difficulties.
The Bendat Family Foundation is a philanthropic trust linked to renowned businessman and former Perth Wildcats owner, the late Jack Bendat AM, which has previously offered Excellence Scholarships to ECU arts management and production and design students.
The Bendat Family Foundation said it is delighted to be able to offer scholarships to young Western Australians pursuing qualifications in social work, teaching and nursing at ECU.
"These scholarships will ease students' financial burden and contribute to their success, whilst also training people in professions desperately needed in Western Australia," it said.
ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) Professor Braden Hill said work integrated learning and practicum placements are an important part of a university education, with the hands-on learning ensuring students are set up for success in their future careers.
"However, while important, we know that these placements can be tricky for students financially and in terms of juggling work, life, and study," Professor Hill said.
"The new Bendat Family Foundation Scholarship Program will enable ECU students, particularly those most in need, to fully and successfully engage with their learning while taking some of the financial stress out of what is often a critical part of their degree journey.
"ECU is so excited to be able to partner with a Foundation that is so thoroughly committed to the Western Australian community and we are delighted to be able to celebrate the success of our students together in the near future."
Visit ECU's Online Scholarship Application Portal to apply or the scholarship webpage for more information.