Twenty Koorie students have received $5,000 scholarships, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino today presented the 2017 Marrung Education Scholarship Awards to students in recognition of their strong potential to succeed in their chosen career paths.
The two-year Marrung Scholarships are awarded to Year 11 students studying at a Victorian government school. Since the program’s inception in 2009, some 167 students have shared in $820,000 worth of scholarships.
The 2017 scholarship recipients were drawn from 17 different government schools across Victoria and include students who will be the first in their family to complete Year 12. The award winning students are looking to pursue careers in graphic design, youth work, engineering, pyschiatry, physipotherapy, teaching and football.
This year’s awards come as figures show a steady increase in the number of Aboriginal students completing the Victorian Certificate of Education, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning or VET in Schools Certificate.
The number of students completing one of VCE, VCAL or VET has more than doubled in the last five years – with 570 student completions in 2016 compared to 272 in 2011.
The Marrung Scholarships form part of the Labor Government’s Education State plan to close the gap between Koorie and non-Koorie students.
The Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026 was launched last year and was developed in partnership with the Victorian Koorie community.
The 10-year plan is helping Koorie Victorians succeed in their education choices and realise the full benefits of the Education State reforms across early childhood, schools and vocational education and training.
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“With 15 recipients coming from regional Victoria, the benefits of the Marrung Education Scholarships will be felt right across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Geraldine Atkinson, President, Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI)
“VAEAI is excited about the opportunities that these scholarships present. Past recipients have gone on to pursue diverse pathways including university, training, being drafted into AFL clubs, and more.”
“Recipients should be very proud. They have been selected because of their academic success, commitment to furthering their education, and strong involvement in their school and their Koorie communities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020