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Ford thinking creates Academics in Making

23 April 2008

Monash South Africa Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dina Burger.

International charity the Ford Foundation recently awarded a grant of $14 million Rand (A$1.9 million) over seven years to Monash South Africa to provide seven full postgraduate scholarships for the University's Academics in Making program.

In its first year of operation the Academics in Making program aims to improve the educational and career prospects of black South African students.

"I am delighted and grateful that the Ford Foundation has supported Monash South Africa's rollout of our Higher Degree by Research program in such a generous way," Monash South Africa Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dina Burger said.

Seven students will be selected to enter the program which includes a tutorship, Life Skills program and a stipend for full-time study towards a Masters or PhD in an Arts discipline. The program will begin in second semester this year.

Upon successful completion of their degree each participant will go on to a Diploma of Education and will be offered a lectureship position in the School of Arts at Monash South Africa.

"Academics in Making will provide the chance of a lifelong academic career to the successful participants in the program who may have otherwise fallen through the cracks," Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Burger said.

"Such a fantastic opportunity would not have become a reality without considerable support from the Vice-President of Advancement Ron Fairchild, the continual hard work of Professor Ian Edwards and strong leadership from Professor Tyrone Pretorius the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash South Africa."

Academics in Making is the first program of its kind to be offered at Monash University, under the strategic direction of the Research portfolio and support of the School of Arts at Monash South Africa.