Coal & Allied providing funded tertiary scholarships to Hunter Valley locals

Nine Coal & Allied funded scholarships at the University of Newcastle are available to Hunter Valley locals.

These tertiary scholarships totalling more than AUS$25 000 are open to new and continuing students from communities in Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter local government areas.

Coal & Allied Community Relations specialist Travis Bates said: “We encourage students studying Engineering, Nursing, Medicine, Education, Social Work or Science to apply for Coal & Allied scholarships. This year we have three scholarships available to first year students worth AUS$5000 each, three scholarships for second year students at AUS$2500 and three scholarships for third year students worth AUS$1000.”

“Our scholarships are about building pathways for Hunter Valley locals to pursue tertiary education and recognising the leadership role our scholars can play in promoting education and mentoring fellow students,” Bates continued.

Past scholarship recipient Hayley Frazer stated: “Receiving the Coal & Allied scholarship put less pressure on working hours so I could focus more on my studies and doing the things I loved to do. I enjoy being involved in the community, which is near impossible when working two jobs and keeping on top of your studies. The scholarship helped support me financially so I was able to donate my time more willingly to help coach sporting teams, participate in days, such as clean up Australia day, and be a more active community member without financial stresses.”

The Singleton local received Coal & Allied scholarships in 2012 and 2013 while completing her Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management at the University of Newcastle. She now works at Coal & Allied as a graduate in the Environmental and Community Services team.

University of Newcastle Director of Advancement Rebecca Hazell said: “These scholarships not only benefit the direct recipients, but also their families and the Hunter Valley community. The gift of a scholarship empowers students to strive for excellence in their studies, enabling them to give back to their community through their skills, training and expertise.”

Hazzell concluded: “Through its generous scholarship program, Coal & Allied has supported the education of Upper Hunter students and given the gift of education for 10 years."

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/10032016/tertiary-scholarships-available-for-hunter-valley-locals-370/