When Perth’s Murdoch University launched The Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship on Friday, it reinforced the importance of looking beyond academic success.
The new scholarship – a first for Western Australia – focuses on supporting students to make positive community contributions.
Murdoch University has committed $2.4 million to fund the annual scholarship program, available to final-year secondary students regardless of their course or entry pathway. Each recipient will receive $12,000 over the course of their degree.
A scholarship will be awarded to one student from every school in the state, with applicants assessed on their achievements in what the university described as the “three crucial pillars of a cohesive community” – sustainability, diversity and First Nations recognition.
Celebrating values-based achievements
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks describes the scholarship as recognition and support for students who were “genuinely good people” who engaged with the world around them.
“Most scholarships are merit-based and favour students who live near the city or who can afford to pay for additional tutoring or extracurricular activities,” he said in an interview celebrating the scholarship announcement.
With no specific requirements, successful students could engage in a range of different activities, from volunteering in wildlife conservation to introducing recycling initiatives.
“This scholarship is values-based and will make sure students who really need it can get the boost they need to take on a university course,” Professor Deeks said. “The potential our young people have should not be limited based on the advantage they have had earlier in life.”
Each Western Australian Secondary School will be able to nominate one of their graduating Year 12 students, who by their leadership and activity has effected positive change in their School or community, related to one of the three strategic themes. The closing date is 15 September 2023.
