High-achieving local students who are starting TAFE or university can receive a $2000 scholarship to cover their study costs through the Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarships Program.
This program, now in its 15th year, has grown with the help of 16 Port Stephens businesses who contributed $40,000 to the scholarship pool in 2023, creating 20 scholarships.
The program is a partnership between council and leading local businesses that not only provides funding but offers specialised support and mentoring to the scholarship recipients. Students are presented with their scholarships at a celebratory dinner where they are seated with matched sponsors to help kick-start professional mentoring and networking.
Sponsors help recipients not only with funding, but to learn about the local business environment, career pathways, and foster connections to help recipients to build a network and employment in our region post-study.
Mayor Ryan Palmer says the calibre of applications received each year for the program continues to impress.
“This is a workforce development program that continues to grow and help local students on their way to further education.
“The scholarships go a long way to helping students pursue their passions and achieve their goals through further education, the scholarship help pay for textbooks, buying a laptop or assist with rising living costs.
“I want to thank all of our amazing business sponsors. Many of which have been with us since the start and recognise the value of investing in this program,” he said.
For more information visit pscouncil.info/mayoralacademicscholarships
