The Batemans Bay Youth Foundation grantees for 2020 have been announced at the recent annual Grants Presentation Dinner.
Photos: Batemans Bay Soldiers Club
The occasion celebrates the awarding of grants to selected students to help them finance their first year at the University of their choice, or any other expenses for a TAFE education
Peter Wood, Chairman of the Foundation, in presenting the grants assured the audience that each of the Grantees had one thing in common, - they intend to do their very best to succeed at whatever they undertake.
Since the start of the Foundation in 1994, over 200 students have received Grants, totaling in excess of half a million dollars.
Mr Wood said of the grants "Not only is the Foundation a major institution, but it deserves the financial support of businesses and private people alike.
"Around $50,000 has to be raised each year as no grants are forthcoming from Government. The Foundation was established by the Rotary Club of Batemans Bay in 1994 and financing was provided by the Club, supplemented by donations obtained from sporting and service clubs in this area as well as from some individuals. Very limited funds were available, and in each of the first two years only one grant of $2500 was provided.
"The Foundation was governed by a trust deed and this continued for a number of years even though it was cumbersome and restrictive.
After several years the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club and the RSL Sub Branch joined with Rotary as sponsors and both organisations appointed representatives to the committee. As a result of approaches made by the Foundation a relationship has been developed with educational and corporate institutions so that increased scholarships could be made available.
The scholarships offered through this initiative are:-
a) from University of Canberra
b) 3 from Australian National University
c) 1 from University of Wollongong (Hanging Rock only)
d) University of Wollongong
Scholarships are “topped up” by the Foundation to $3,500 each. In all cases the Foundation is fully responsible for the selection of recipients.
Advertisements for the Grant applications were placed in the press and the Chairman visited schools and colleges to ensure that students were aware that applications for grants closed on 30th November, 2019.
Each Application requires details of family finances, school results, aspirations, interests, course to be studied and preferred tertiary institution.
Any student whose normal place of residence is in the area that is bounded by North Durras (north), Nelligen (west) and the Moruya River (south) and who is completing his or her secondary education (whether year 12 or earlier) or is pursuing an apprenticeship or traineeship, is eligible to apply if it is their intention to undertake in the following year:
a course of study at an Australian university or college of higher learning on a full time basis; or
a traineeship or apprenticeship involving attendance at TAFE or other college or where the student may be required to provide “tools of trade” and/or special clothing; or
any other form of personal development including, but not restricted to, music, art, sport, invention or research.
As noted in the Information for All Applicants, applications are considered by a Selection Committee on the basis of:
financial need of applicant and family;
perceived future potential of the applicant; and
relevant performance at school.
The scores from each Committee member are averaged and a panel of 3 is appointed to conduct interviews. By this method awards for the year are determined, the number being in accordance with funds available.
Applications for study grants close on 30 November each year.
Applications for apprenticeship/traineeship grants may be lodged throughout the year.
Students undertaking a GAP YEAR are eligible to apply for a grant in the year immediately prior to recommencing studies.
