Nationals MP Paul Weller has encouraged students from across the region to apply for The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders before applications close on February 25.
Mr Weller said The Nationals Scholarship was open to students aged 16-25 who were attending their first year of tertiary study in 2010.
He said the scholarship aimed to make a positive contribution to helping country students overcome the economic barriers that prevented many students from achieving a tertiary qualification.
“Successful applicants will share in $5000, designed to help them cover some of the costs of tertiary education.
“The Nationals recognised the high costs young people in regional Victoria face when moving away from home to study in regional and metropolitan centres.
“The Rudd Government’s harsh eligibility criteria for youth allowance will leave many country students unable to access financial assistance after they finish year 12, which means that many will have to defer their place at university for at least two years.
“Often, without financial assistance, attaining a tertiary qualification for many country students is just not possible.”
Mr Weller said his office had been contacted by many young people interested in applying for the scholarship from areas including Rochester, Echuca, Kyabram and Cohuna.
He said he was encouraged by the amount of interest shown by young country people throughout the Rodney electorate and the level of support shown by teachers and parents in relation to the scholarship.
For more information on The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders contact Mr Weller’s office on 5482 2039 or email paul.weller@parliament.vic.gov.au.
Application forms are also available on The Nationals website at www.vic.nationals.org.au.
