EDUCATION

George Alexander’s idea of ‘planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’ has in many ways inspired the direction of the Foundation’s giving in the field of education.

Established in 2002, The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program has become the central focus of the Foundation’s giving in this area. Since the program’s inception nearly 400 students across Australia have benefited from either scholarships or bursaries. Six years on, the Foundation has Scholarship Programs at universities and TAFE institutes in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, making it one of the largest private scholarship programs in the country. In 2008 the Scholarship Program expanded to Western Australia via Murdoch University. The Foundation would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Murdoch Scholars to the Program. Beyond our commitments to Scholarship Programs, the Foundation was delighted to support La Trobe University in the ongoing development of their In2science Peer Mentoring in Schools Program. That program will see students who study science at university acting as mentors for high school science students in regional areas of Victoria. We hope that this exciting program will lead to better equipped science teachers and scientists.

Funding Objectives

• To help talented young people who have demonstrated academic ability, particularly those from rural and regional communities, for whom scholarships would make a significant contribution to achieving their educational goals

• To assist young people to gain or enhance skills, knowledge and experience in technology, design and the traditional trades, through formal education, mentoring programs and fellowships

• To provide undergraduate scholarships at universities and TAFE institutes across Australia, for students with academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to their community

• To support mentoring programs in schools, TAFE institutes and universities, particularly those that focus on science, technology, engineering, trades, agriculture and the environment

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program

Five scholarships, each valued at $10,000 and paid over the three years of an undergraduate degree.

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program at the Australian Catholic University provides up to five scholarships each year to assist talented students in reaching their educational goals. The scholarship is specifically for students from rural and regional areas who can demonstrate academic excellence and community engagement, and who may have some financial barriers to reaching their educational potential.

The program is continuing to develop, and in 2008 the Foundation was delighted to be able to offer an additional scholarship, providing six scholarships in total. The 2007 Scholars are progressing well through their studies and all were on hand to welcome the 2008 cohort at the Ballarat Campus Awards and Prizes day.

The George Alexander Foundation Bursary Program

Ten bursaries each year from 2007–2009, each valued at $1,000.

The second cohort of bursaries was released to the Australian Catholic University in April 2008. Ballarat Campus specialises in a small

Australian Catholic University, Victoria

$52,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over five years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program at the Ballarat Campus (2007–2009)

$20,000 (part of a commitment of $30,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Bursaries Program at the Ballarat Campus (2007–2009)

Ms Linda Carpenter, State Manager Fundraising and Development – Victoria www.acu.edu.au

range of vocational courses, with Nursing, Paramedicine, Teaching and Theology the significant programs. The vast majority of students seeking assistance via the program require funding to undertake nursing and teaching placements. The George Alexander Foundation Bursary Program receives a significant number of applications each year, with many students put forward by heads of faculties.

The financial strain caused by student placements is apparent in student reporting to the Foundation. This small bursary can be used to pay for uniforms and equipment, travel costs, rent and general living expenses while on placement. This program demonstrates the importance of small grant programs for university students.

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

RecipientCourse

Danielle DykstraBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine

Stephanie HoganBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine

Natalie LinkeBachelor of Nursing

Kathryn LynnBachelor of Education

Kylie MitchellBachelor of Education

Kimberley SchultzBachelor of Education

In 2007 the Governors of The George Alexander Foundation agreed to fund a large scholarship program at Charles Darwin University. The program aimed to provide assistance and encouragement to students from all backgrounds who were looking to further their study in the Northern Territory. Included in the program were:

• twenty-four Vocational and Technical Education Scholarships valued at $1,500 each to assist students in meeting the costs of their training and placements

• one Accommodation Scholarship valued at $18,000 over three years to meet the costs of on-campus living

• two Indigenous Scholarships valued at $36,000 over three years

• one Higher Education Scholarship valued at $18,000 over three years.

In 2008 the Foundation has supplemented the initial program by providing four additional Higher Education Scholarships to support talented young people in overcoming financial barriers to furthering their education. Two scholarships were offered in the first semester of 2008 and another two were offered in second semester.

Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory

$21,000 (part of a commitment of $144,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2007–2009)

$12,000 (part of a commitment of $72,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2008–2010)

Ms Cara Gordon, Student Services

www.cdu.edu.au/

RecipientCourse

The George Alexander Foundation Access and Equity Scholarships at Deakin University were established in 2006 for students wishing to study at the university’s regional campuses in Geelong or Warrnambool. Up to five scholarships each year are offered, each valued at $10,000 over three years.

The scholarships are awarded to students who best demonstrate academic ability, a will to succeed in their chosen field and a commitment to overcoming financial barriers to their educational goals. The award can be used to help meet the costs of living, travel, study, child care and placement equipment and uniforms.

The program is currently progressing well, and the Foundation was delighted to congratulate its first graduate, Mr Paul Wallace, at the end of the 2007 academic year. Paul used the scholarship in part to complete his degree early by undertaking summer courses.

Deakin University, Victoria

$50,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over five years) to The George Alexander Foundation Access and Equity Scholarships (2006–2008) www.deakin.edu.au

RecipientCourse

Hannah BedfordBachelor of Education (Primary)

Kate FosterBachelor of Occupational Therapy

Liam RodgerBachelor of Arts (International Studies)

Laura SchreursBachelor of Arts (Media and Communication)

Nick WaltersBachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management

The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarship was established at Gordon Institute of TAFE in 2006, with the first five one-year scholarships, valued at $3,000 each, awarded in 2007. The 2007 program proved successful with one Scholar, Holly Munday, going on to be awarded Gordon’s President’s Medal for the Certificate Student of the Year. Discussions with staff and students at Gordon Institute at the end of 2007 encouraged the Foundation to make a greater commitment to the TAFE in 2008. It was agreed that two-year scholarships

Gordon Institute of TAFE, Victoria

$20,000 (part of a commitment of $175,000 over four years) to The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarship (2008–2010)

Ms Kamila Lucas, Alumni Officer www.gordontafe.edu.au valued at $10,000 would best assist students undertaking Diploma-level courses. Three $10,000 scholarships were awarded in 2008 and an additional three will be offered in both 2009 and 2010. Further to the scholarship, the Foundation recognised that small bursaries remain an important funding source for students and as such has committed to providing five bursaries, valued at $1,000 each, for each of the next three years (2008–2010).

The 2008–2010 scholarships continue to focus on students who have demonstrated a commitment to or skill in a trade, leadership and community involvement. The Scholar must be able to demonstrate that the award would assist them in reaching their educational goals. Each Scholar must also be undertaking at least two years of study. This program at Gordon joins RMIT as the only current George Alexander Foundation Scholarship open to TAFE students. The Foundation is extremely keen to both promote and celebrate the skills and achievements of TAFE students.

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners