The First Nations students who approach us are full of determination. They’re ready to work hard to get their qualifications. But the dream of achieving university education can feel unattainable when students are facing financial challenges.
Your support breaks down barriers to education. You help to provide much-needed scholarship access to tertiary studies for incredible First Nations students. You’ll be inspired to know:
- Many of our students are the first in their family to go to university.
- Tertiary drop-out rates decrease through scholarship support — so more students make it to Graduation Day.
- Graduates have a better chance at succeeding in the working world and living independently.
- Future generations of learners have more opportunities to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams!
Saint Mary MacKillop saw the power of education as a pathway towards self-determination. She dedicated her life to supporting communities experiencing the most challenges.
At Mary MacKillop Today, we do whatever it takes to continue Mary’s life-changing legacy to be a growing force for change. Through your kind support, we provide opportunities like scholarships for people to become the architects of their own futures. Because when a person has control over their own life, it means they can make choices that matter to them.
We know that educated women lift families and communities out of poverty. Our hope is that these scholarships are helping to achieve equity in leadership for the First Nations women who are accessing them.
Meet Shantaya, who is studying for a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University.
Shantaya received a Mary MacKillop Today’s First Nations Tertiary Scholarship, supported by kind people like you.
“This scholarship has given me the ability to work part-time while I study, which has left me with more time to prepare for classes, assignments, and exams.
I originally chose to study a Bachelor of Nursing because I wanted to help people who needed it most. There is such a need for good nurses, and I want to go out into the field and really make an impact on the community.
So far, I have really enjoyed my placements. They have been a big eye-opener and have helped me understand what nursing is really like in the real world. I’m really excited about what the future holds in my area of work.
This scholarship has truly changed the way that I have been able to study. I honestly don’t know how I would manage without this scholarship, so I am eternally grateful for your kindness and generosity.”
Thanks to your generosity vital scholarships can be offered to inspiring First Nations students like Shantaya. These students are our future nurses, teachers, business owners, and community leaders!
