Gunnedah shire’s youth will have two cracks at funding assistance this year.
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Applications are now open for both the 2019 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF) and the Country Education Foundation (CEF) of Gunnedah.
The GCSF is an initiative of the local community and provides financial support for local youth choosing to further their studies in tertiary education. The scholarships cover many disciplines for students who travel away to study at university or apply for traineeships or apprenticeships locally.
Kustiani Tuckerman is one of the 2018 recipients and said the finances helped her with the start-up costs of her engineering degree.
“I haven’t seen anything else like the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, and neither have any of the students I attend Wollongong University with,” Kustiani said.
“The best part is the flexibility of the funds – it meant I could purchase my textbooks upfront and sign up for the university AFL team.
“I am really grateful for the town’s generosity.”
Kustiani offered a piece of advice for those considering applying to the GCSF.
“Have a well-rounded resume, think about it before you submit and don’t leave it too late,” she said.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s youth development officer Sewa Emojong said GCSF relied wholly on sponsorship from local businesses and organisations.
“The amount of money and the number of recipients who receive funds depends on the sponsorship and donations from community organisations and businesses who would like to see youth move ahead in tertiary education,” she said.
“There are many benefits to being a supporter of the GCSF, not least of all providing opportunities for local students to pursue their career goals.”
Since the GCSF’s inception 15 years ago, more than $300,000 across more than 330 scholarships has been awarded to local students.
Applications for GCSF close on Monday, December 17, 2018 for the 2019 round. To apply, visit http://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-services/grants-sponsorship/item/955-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund
For more information about the scholarship or to become a sponsor, phone Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au
