Charles Sturt University, New South Wales

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships for Rural and Remote Placements

$20,000 (part of a commitment of $60,000 over three years) www.csu.edu.au

“Charles Sturt University is firmly committed to supporting rural and remote Australia through promoting professional preparation in these communities.”

Wendy Hastings

Sub Dean Professional Experience –Faculty of Education

As a Sub Dean at the Faculty of Education at Charles Sturt University, Wendy provides an insight into why it is vital to invest in supporting and promoting the success of programs and students through the development of well-structured scholarship programs.

Why

Rural and remote communities in Australia face increasing difficulties attracting professionals to fill key roles in health and education. CSU is particularly interested in redressing the supply of teachers given their critical importance in many rural and remote schools and communities, particularly in remote indigenous communities.

CSU places approximately 3,000 preservice teachers in schools and centres across Australia every year, many in rural areas although few get support to offset the expenses.

For students, the costs associated with undertaking professional experience in a rural community are known to be a major deterrent for many teacher education students. Loss of income during placement, the cost of accommodation and the need to supplement with part-time work combine to form a significant hurdle.

CSU’s data reveals that 95% of students surveyed wanted to participate in a rural/ remote placement if costs associated could be covered by support funding. When students calculated the real costs associated with a five-week placement in an isolated community, the average out-of-pocket expenses were $2,800 per student.

The GAF Scholarship funding allows the university to provide assistance to more students, making rural and remote placements more attractive and attainable.

What are the qualities CSU looks for in students it awards the GAF Scholarships to?

Students have been very positive about the introduction of the GAF scholarships. Academic performance and of course the location of their placement are key considerations but essentially, we are looking for students who have the capacity to make a very positive contribution to a rural school and community and who wish to explore a teaching career in the rural/remote sector. What do you hope this program will help CSU and its students achieve in the long term?

It is anticipated, and supported by research, that students who undertake a placement in a rural/remote context are more likely to apply for an appointment in that sector and are also more likely to remain in the community beyond the minimum period of time – thus providing quality and sustainability in the workforce.