Remote and regional students could access up to $5000 in grants with applications open for the EW Stevens Trust Fund.
The grants, administered by Primary Producers SA, are designed to help students undertake study options they might otherwise be unable to access due to their financial situation.
Primary Producers SA chair Simon Maddocks said PPSA was proud to be the custodian of the EW Stevens Trust.
"PPSA sees the Trust as a key vehicle to address the inequity faced by students living in regional SA, allowing them to access education opportunities and recognising the higher cost of living away from home," he said.
"The Trust provides support to South Australian students in financial hardship, giving them a hand to continue on with their studies.
"The funding can be used to meet a range of costs including a contribution towards school fees, books or other course materials, uniforms, board and accommodation, IT equipment, undertaking a study tour, or travel costs to return home from study."
PPSA is responsible for the administration of the fund, while a Board of Trustees has been appointed to select the recipient or recipients annually.
The fund was established at the request of the late Earnest William Stevens, a former builder from the Fleurieu Peninsula, who provided funding for the scholarship in his Will.
Mr Stevens' aim with the scholarship was to assist students in rural and regional areas who wanted to further their education but were unable to do so due to their financial circumstances.
Successful scholarship recipients will receive funding for their study in 2024.
Eligible students must:
- Be an Australian citizen residing in a rural or remote area of South Australia
- Plan to study at a secondary (Year 10-12) or university level, or an approved RTO course
- Be unable to do so due to their financial circumstances
- Demonstrate a commitment and ability to complete their chosen course of study
While ties to primary production are not essential to be eligible for the scholarship, they will be looked upon favourably as part of the selection process.
Applications for the grants close on January 12 with the decision made in early February.
Application forms must be emailed to EWStevensTrust@ppsa.org.au. They are available for download at ppsa.org.au/scholarships.
