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Monash steps towards a just society

10 August 2005

The Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies has established a bursary to support underprivileged Indigenous students.

Towards a Just Society Fund bursary recipient, Charmaine Ingram.

The Towards a Just Society Fund bursary provides financial assistance to students in the Monash Indigenous Access Scheme or Indigenous Pathway Program.

The bursary was offered to the centre by the Towards a Just Society Fund after the philanthropic organisation learned of the unique schemes offered to Indigenous students by Monash faculties.

Pathway schemes are currently offered in the faculties of Arts; Education; Information Technology; and Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The bursary was first offered last semester, providing about $2000 each to the two students in the pathways program.

Four students are involved in the pathways programs this semester, and upwards of $8000 is expected to be distributed.

Ms Peggy Swindle, Indigenous Student recruitment officer, said the centre appreciated the opportunity presented by the Towards a Just Society Fund bursary to further support and assist Indigenous students.

"Bursaries such as these are incredibly valuable for our access and pathways programs," she said.

"They have made the difference between our past pathways students being able to study and commit to university and having to sacrifice their education in order to financially support themselves.

"Ideally, we would like to continue assisting this number of enrolments, and gradually increase them to four or five a year for each faculty," Ms Swindle said.

The centre is currently working with other faculties to establish pathway programs and ensure that bursaries are available for Indigenous students.

Further information on the Monash Indigenous Access Scheme and Indigenous Pathway Program can be found at the Indigenous student support website. For information about establishing a Pathway Program in your faculty, contact Ms Peggy Swindle on +61 3 9905 1507.