APPLICATIONS opened this week for a new scholarship program from St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, designed to help local students pursue careers in nursing and early childhood education.
‘Parish Pathways’ will provide eligible students with up to $12,000 over the duration of their degree to help with tuition fees and other study-related expenses.
The program is open to students in their first year of studying, or those planning to study, a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie in 2027.
Young people in regional areas often find they have to move away from home to study.
This scholarship aims to help local students remain in the Hastings area and may also provide an opportunity for local employment opportunities with the parish after students complete their studies.
“This initiative is about opening doors for people in our community to pursue careers in priority areas such as education and nursing,” said St Agnes’ Catholic Parish CEO Tony Leahy.
“For students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend university, this support can make a real difference.
“I’m delighted that we can be a part of their journey and I look forward to seeing them bring their skills and experience back to the Parish after graduation.”
Madeleine Bowers, a lecturer in Nursing at Charles Sturt University, welcomed the launch of St Agnes’ Parish Pathways program.
“Students are facing significant financial hardship in today’s economic climate whilst balancing their studies and personal lives, many having to work multiple jobs to support themselves through their studies,” Ms Bowers said.
“The scholarship provided by St Agnes’ Parish is an example of local businesses getting behind local students to help them achieve their goals and enter the industries that need our greatest attention: early childhood and nursing fields.
“Having the Parish Pathways available to our local students allows them to get on track with a trajectory from their studies straight into industry with ongoing employment.”
Applications opened on Tuesday 6 October and close on Thursday 19 November. Eligibility criteria and further information are available at https://stagnesparish.org.au/parish-pathways-scholarships.html
By Pauline CAIN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
