Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships support future careers

Released 25/07/2017

Today eight students received the 2017 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships at an awards ceremony at Corroboree Park.

These scholarships aim to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers, health professionals and qualified professionals in the vocational education and training sector by inspiring and supporting them to achieve their study goals.

Since 2009, 43 senior secondary students have been awarded scholarships, 37 for students hoping to pursue a career in teaching and six for students interested in a career in health. This year I have awarded eight scholarships worth $4,000 per year to the successful year 11 and year 12 students, including the first scholarship to be awarded for vocational education and training.

The successful recipients participated in roundtable interviews where they impressed the panel members with the high calibre of their school work, their community involvement and their passion for learning. The roundtable interview was a rigorous process and I am sure that the experience and skills gained will prove valuable throughout their lives.

Programs that provide meaningful support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are vitally important and I am encouraged that this program will continue to support these students and others in the years to come.

Congratulations to the scholarship recipients, from Melba Copland Secondary School, Dickson College, Erindale College and Gungahlin College. Well done to these students and to their principals and teachers who have supported and encouraged them throughout their learning journey. I also want to acknowledge the parents, carers and families of these students.

The 2017 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Scholarship recipients are:

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases