Nossal High School Year 9 student Sadia Afroz has received support towards her academic goals, being one of the recipients of a $20,000 Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship.
More than 700 Year 9 students applied for the scholarships this year, which support young women in a variety of practical ways, including with equipment, computers, internet connections, textbooks, tutoring and coaching, which they may otherwise not have access to.
Sadia said she was planning on becoming a university teacher or professor following her tertiary education.
“This scholarship really means a lot to me,” she said.
“It’s honestly really helped my family and I out a lot.
“This scholarship would really help my academic results and help me achieve my academic and professional goals in the future.”
Harding Miller Foundation Executive Director Cara Varian said all of the scholarship recipients had high levels of academic potential.
“They are talented and dedicated, but they simply do not currently have access to the resources that they need to make the most of their education opportunities,” she said.
“Girls are more likely to complete high school and go on to pursue further education when they are supported with equipment, money for resources, tutoring and coaching, and that’s the type of support we are providing to Sadia.
“We want to support these high-potential young women to stay in school and to have the option going to university.”
Ms Varian said the Harding Miller Education Foundation focused on supporting the girls’ basic needs to complete their high school education.
“We get satellites installed in homes to make sure that the kids can get access to the internet,” she said.
“We supply noise-cancelling headphones if they don’t have a dedicated study space.
“We send out supermarket gift cards if families are having trouble with the groceries.
“These are tangible, practical things which we can do to give young women a hand to complete their schooling and fulfil their potential.”
For more information about how to apply for a scholarship for 2024, visit www.hardingmillereducationfoundation.org.au/apply-for-a-scholarship
