Local businesses help boost educational opportunities

Local businesses help boost educational opportunities

Studying at high-school has been made a whole lot easier thanks to the support of local businesses that have provided the funds for the latest round of Mentor Support Network (MSN) scholarships.

The scholarships were established by MSN in 2008 with the intention to give young people who were at risk of dropping out of the education system financial support.

Since then, almost $550,000 has been provided to over 250 students.

It is through the generosity of local businesses and organisations that these students have been able to afford school related costs which has contributed to their educational endeavours.

MSN Chair member, Jon Chin JP said the Network relied on the support of local businesses and organisations to be able to provide students with opportunities like this.

“We are very fortunate to have many businesses in the Hunter who supported this year’s scholarship recipients and we also thank the businesses who have continued their support over the years.

“The scholarship provides funds for such things as computers, uniforms and other school related costs that otherwise could force these young people out of the system. It is always such a privilege to hear students talk about their ambitions and how the scholarships make those things possible,” Jon said.

At the scholarship announcements, one of 2019’s scholarship recipients Emma Sneddon spoke to the 2020 recipients and their families about how the scholarship not only assisted her through year 10 but will continue to support her through her final two years of schooling.

“I was able to buy a new laptop and senior school uniforms with the scholarship I received. It will also support me with any other financial situations I may encounter during my final years at school,” Emma said.

The first scholarships were presented in 2008 to two Newcastle students.

This year 17 students from Newcastle, 17 from Lake Macquarie, 9 from Maitland and one each from Port Stephens and Cessnock were awarded scholarships.

IMAGE | Mentor Support Network high-school scholarship recipients for 2020

Mentor Support Network

Formerly known as Hunter Youth Mentoring Collaborative Inc. (HYMC), and established in 2005, Mentor Support Network (MSN) is a not-for-profit organisation that helps disadvantaged students achieve their educational goals.

MSN, in conjunction with volunteers, members and the corporate sector, provide regular networking events, annual forums, scholarship programs and youth mentor training.

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