$1.4 million boost to tertiary funding in scholarship program

High schools students across Australia have shared in more than $1.4 million in scholarship funding, thanks to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and its program partners.

More than 90 students have accepted a scholarship to support their first year of study, while 90 others have received a Bank scholarship for a second year.

Thanks to program partners - Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank® network, Rural Bank, La Trobe University and Melbourne University - the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program is one of Australia’s largest privately funded scholarship programs with more than $3.9 million handed out to 355 students since its inception in 2007.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chairman Robert Johanson said the program’s rapid expansion indicated an ever-growing need for financial support for students Australia-wide.

"The Bank scholarship program has grown exponentially, targeting specific skills shortages in our rural communities and giving students everywhere the opportunity to achieve their dream of going to university," Mr Johanson said.

"For many young people living in rural and regional areas this financial support is the difference between whether they can attend university or have to miss out.

"No matter what their financial position or personal background, we believe that young Australians should have the opportunity to further their education and fulfil their potential, one day giving their knowledge and experience back to the community."

Mr Johanson said this year’s recipients came from every corner of the nation, from the Northern Queensland community of Cannonvale to Bunbury in Western Australia, across Bass Strait in North Hobart and everywhere in between.

"Each of this year’s recipients is academically gifted and has overcome a range of obstacles including drought, illness, disability, poverty, war and violence, but none have let that get in the way of achieving their best at school and for their future," he said.

"The determination and courage shown by these students, not to mention their academic achievements, should serve as a reminder to all young people to never give up on your career goals."

For 19-year-old Isobelle Mannix, of White Hills VIC, receiving a Bendigo and Adelaide Bank 2014 Scholarship means she will be able to make her dreams working in the field of social work and psychology.

Isobelle said that living in a rural town meant a costly relocation was the only option to access the best in tertiary education, saving money for three years to get a financial head-start at university.

Thanks to the scholarship, Isobelle will be able to study social work and social sciences at RMIT in Melbourne, the springboard for a career working with Indigenous communities and youth with cancer.

"I’m very passionate about working with people and making helping groups in our community, and I’m grateful that I now have the opportunity to take one step toward this goal," Isobelle said.

"I can’t wait to experience university life, gain new skills, and make new friends.

"The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank scholarship means I can concentrate on reaching my academic goals and making my family proud."

Recipients of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank 2015 Scholarship include:

• Thomas Connellan - Balranald, New South Wales
  Bachelor of Applied Science, La Trobe University
• Juan Pablo Morales Franco - Palmerston, Northern Territory
  Bachelor of Science, University of Tasmania
• Xin Yan Gu - Cannonvale, Queensland
  Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland
• Charlotte Wright - Cairns, Queensland
  Bachelor of Engineering, University of Queensland
• Emily Prior - Lammermoor, Queensland
  Medicine/Surgery, Monash University
• Jacinta Lock - Malanda, Queensland
  Bachelor of Engineering, James Cook University
• Mai Yamanaka - Twin Waters, Queensland
  Bachelor of Medical Science, Griffith University
• Musthafa Sher - North Hobart, Tasmania
  Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine at Griffith University
• Imogen McGindle - Blind Bight, Victoria
  Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne
• Xavier Healy - Ouyen, Victoria
  Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne
• Isabelle Rose Ghidinelli-Matheson - Mildura, Victoria
  Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Adelaide
• Liam Byrne - Quarry Hill, Victoria
  Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne
• Isobelle Mannix - White Hills, Victoria
  Bachelor of Social Work, University of Western Australia
• Caitlyn Taylor - Bunbury, Western Australia
  Medicine Assured Entry Pathway via Bachelor of Science, University of Western Australia
• Khalia Guidera - Elliston, South Australia
  Bachelor of Arts, University of Adelaide