Port Stephens Mayor, Ryan Palmer has joined representatives from 16 local businesses to present a total of $40,000 to support some of Port Stephens’ most passionate local students at the Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarships.

Twenty deserving young students each received $2,000 to put towards their first year of tertiary education, helping them achieve their career aspirations.

Mayor Palmer said he’s impressed by the range of fields being studied, including mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, data science, science, medicine, nutrition, biology, business, law and education.

“This is an opportunity to thank our future leaders for their persistence and hard work during a particularly stressful time completing their HSC,” Ryan said.

“The $2,000 can be used to buy a computer or laptop or maybe pay for accommodation or moving costs.

“These scholarships wouldn’t happen without the investment of local business. Many of our sponsors have been involved with the Mayoral Academic Scholarships program for many years with some providing funding for two scholarships.”

This year’s sponsors included Ampcontrol, BAE Systems Australia, Business Port Stephens, Club Lemon Tree (2x scholarships), Destination Port Stephens, Hunter Land, Hunter Readymixed Concrete, McDonald Jones, MOJO Homes, Newcastle Airport (2x scholarships), Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Salamander Bay Recycling (2x scholarships), Soldiers Point Bowling Club, The Wests Group (2x scholarships), Tomago Aluminium and Weathertex.

“I want to thank all of the sponsors for supporting the future leaders of Port Stephens and for giving the students an opportunity to grow their network and connect with local leaders in their own time – invaluable for both business and students,” Ryan said.

“To all of the scholarship winners, good luck stepping into your studies and achieving your 2023 goals.”

Applications for the 2024 Mayoral Academic Scholarships will open later this year.

IMAGE | Mayoral Academic Scholarship recipients