New England students Danika Elliott from Glen Innes High School and Rose Kliendienst from Guyra Central School have been awarded life-changing Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarships.
The scholarships are awarded to students at the start of Year 9, and, at the end of Year 10, the recipients are invited to reapply for another two years of support. The four years of scholarship support is valued at over $20,000.
“This scholarship helps me excel in my schooling and achieve my dreams,” says Danika.
“I have big dreams of becoming a vet. This scholarship will aid me in accessing help to be able to ensure that my grades stay at a high level to secure a spot in a university.
“Coming from an agricultural background, I really love animals and helping them. This has been a passion of mine since I was very young.
“Although I spend time away from school at sporting and cattle-showing events, I constantly keep up with my school work and maintain high grades.
“All my life I have said that I have wanted to grow up and be someone who helps animals. I am excited to explore this further as I progress through my education.
“I am looking forward to the extra support this scholarship will provide.”
Harding Miller scholarships are provided to female students who show high academic potential and who are currently experiencing low socioeconomic circumstances.
Each scholarship recipient receives a new laptop, high-speed internet, face-to-face and online tutoring, online homework assistance, prepaid expense cards to cover school essentials such as textbooks and excursions, as well as study skills resources and a personal coach to guide them over the four years of the scholarship.
Harding Miller Education Foundation Chief Operations Officer Caroline Hill says the Foundation is proud to be providing vital support to help promising young girls reach their full potential.
“We are so pleased to announce Danika and Rose as some of the scholarship recipients for 2024. The Foundation’s vital support for high-potential young girls experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage has become even more critical as our country faces increased pressures with higher costs of living.
“Our scholarship recipients are bright, talented, and engaged but don’t currently have the resources they need to make the most of their educational opportunities. The scholarship provides them with tangible items and practical things that give these young women a hand to complete their high-school education and take advantage of tertiary opportunities,” adds Caroline.
“Our scholarships offer more than just a financial boost. Our scholars are also paired with a volunteer coach who provides them with mentorship throughout the year. This support can often be the difference between continuing education or dropping out for an uncertain future.
“We encourage any other local young girls who may need support to consider applying for a Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarship this year.”
Since its launch in 2015, Harding Miller has supported more than 1,200 scholarship recipients in 350+ public Australian high schools.
Applications for scholarships for 2025 will open from 15 July to 18 September 2024.
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