Three Central Coast students have been awarded life-changing Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarships.
Scholarships are awarded to students at the start of Year 9, and at the end of Year 10 the recipients are invited to reapply for another two years of support.
The four years of scholarship support is valued at more than $20,000.
This year’s recipients are Vivian Ding from Gosford High School, Jordyn Bailey from Northlakes High School, and Abby Peterson-Hampshire from Terrigal High School.
“As a young carer, this scholarship means so much to me,” Abby said.
“I’ve only been a part of this program for a few weeks and I already feel so supported.
“I’ve always been incredibly academically driven in all areas and I have huge aspirations for my future.
“I’m a public speaker and debater, and I love speaking and advocating for what I believe in, so becoming a lawyer or doing some other kind of role where I can improve the lives of others is a career goal.
“I’m currently preparing for the regional final for the Legacy Public Speaking Competition speaking on a topic I’m very passionate about.
“I love learning and my studies mean a lot to me so being able to have this incredible support system so that I can have the best chance of achieving my goals is incredible.”
Harding Miller scholarships are provided to female students who show high academic potential and who are currently experiencing low socioeconomic circumstances.
Each scholarship recipient receives a new laptop, high-speed internet, face-to-face and online tutoring, online homework assistance, prepaid expense cards to cover school essentials such as textbooks and excursions, as well as study skills resources and a personal coach to guide them over the four years of the scholarship.
Harding Miller Education Foundation Chief Operations Officer Caroline Hill said the Foundation was proud to be providing vital support to help promising young girls reach their full potential.
“We are so pleased to announce the Central Coast students as some of the scholarship recipients for 2024,” Hill said.
“The Foundation’s vital support for high-potential young girls experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage has become even more critical as our country faces increased pressures with higher costs of living.
“Our scholarship recipients are bright, talented and engaged but don’t currently have the resources they need to make the most of their educational opportunities.
“The scholarship provides them with tangible items and practical things that give these young women a hand to complete their high-school education and take advantage of tertiary opportunities.
“Our scholarships offer more than just a financial boost.
“Our scholars are also paired with a volunteer coach who provides them with mentorship throughout the year.
“This support can often be the difference between continuing education or dropping out for an uncertain future.
“We encourage any other local young girls who may need support to consider applying for a Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarship this year.”
Since its launch in 2015, Harding Miller has supported more than 1,200 scholarship recipients in 350 plus public Australian high schools.
Applications for scholarships for 2025 will open from July 15 to September 18.
To find out more information, get involved, or support the Harding Miller Education Foundation, visit http://www.hardingmillereducationfoundation.org.au