Australian families can expect to spend around $100,000 across 13 years of public schooling per child; 90% of that are considered ancillary costs, such as extracurricular activities, technology, uniforms or other supplies. With the current cost-of-living crisis, around a quarter of all families find that paying for school fees has a significant negative impact on ...
Hunter Youth Mentoring Collaborative Incorporated (t/a Mentor Support Network
MSN Educational Scholarship Program
GOAL
$20,000
Australia > NSW > Regional
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- Young people (6-25)
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
Hunter Youth Mentoring Collaborative Incorporated (t/a Mentor Support Network
Mentor Support Network (MSN) is a dynamic not-for-profit volunteer organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges. Launched in 2002 to serve the Hunter Region, the main aim of MSN is to provide a pathway where students can reach their potential and complete their high school or vocational studies.
Our Mission Statement is to promote equity for senior students in the Hunter Region who show potential but are held back by financial disadvantage.
MSN operates solely through the support of volunteers from professional, academic, corporate and community backgrounds. The organisation's minimal operating cost structure and nil salaries and labour costs, allows nearly all funds raised to go directly to supporting the youth of the Hunter Region.
MSN was incorporated in 2005 and expanded its operations in 2008 from offering training and support to student and youth mentors (such as teachers, tutors and youth advisors) to providing financial support directly to students through Educational Scholarships. The scholarship program has grown to be the primary focus of MSN following discussion with school support teachers about how best MSN can assist bright, capable students achieve their academic goal despite their financial or family circumstances.
Project Summary
Australian families can expect to spend around $100,000 across 13 years of public schooling per child; 90% of that are considered ancillary costs, such as extracurricular activities, technology, uniforms or other supplies. With the current cost-of-living crisis, around a quarter of all families find that paying for school fees has a significant negative impact on their households.
The MSN Educational Scholarship Program 2026 aims to provide financial support to up to 50 high-school students in the Hunter Region who are experiencing socio-economic pressures. The scholarships, valued at around $2,000 each, enable disadvantaged students to acquire essential tools, clothing, technology, and other items necessary for their studies.
These scholarships are not based on academic achievement but rather on the student’s demonstrated intent to succeed. The program’s goal is to assist these students in completing their senior high school years or vocational training, thereby preparing them for a brighter future. By helping scholarship recipients stay in school and concentrate on their studies, the program enables students to overcome educational barriers and make informed decisions regarding their future.
Project Outcomes
The MSN Educational Scholarship Program will provide up to 50 scholarships, each valued at around $2,000, to disadvantaged high-school students in the Hunter Region for the 2026 school year. The program's timeline allows students to access their funds from November 2025, ensuring they are well-equipped for Year 12 and subsequent educational programs in TAFE or university.
MSN’s Scholarship Program aims to:
• ease cost of living pressures for lower socio-economic families in the Hunter
• improve equitable opportunities for academic and personal growth for secondary students
• improve the accessibility of education for those experiencing financial difficulties
• increase student engagement and participation in secondary education and extracurricular activities, fostering a well-rounded development
• lift secondary completion rates and tertiary enrolment rates of low-socioeconomic groups to match those of the general demographic
The long-term goal is to address disparities in educational outcomes by supporting a sustainable and inclusive learning environment that empowers every student to achieve their full potential and pursue education and employment in the future.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $120,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mutual Bank (Corporate Sponsor) | $3,000 |
| Zeal Futures | $10,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Educational Scholarships | $100,000 |
| Senior Educational Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Tertiary Educational Scholarships | $5,000 |
| Admin costs | $5,000 |
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