Two local school girls have been awarded $20,000 scholarships to help them stay and excel in school.
Oluwasemilore Odedeyi from Ridge View Secondary College in Baldivis and Holly Briggs from Safety Bay Senior High School were two of 11 female students across WA to receive the scholarships through the Harding Miller Education Foundation.
The scholarships are awarded to high potential girls, who are experiencing low socio-economic circumstances.
Executive Director Cara Varian said the Foundation’s scholarships provide the girls with a new laptop, high speed internet connections, tutoring, career guidance and support to help cover the costs of uniforms, books and school expenses.
“Where these young women have faced barriers, we are offering them a pathway through school and also potentially to university,” Ms Varian said.
“These students have the potential to become leaders in their fields and we hope that the scholarship gives them the support they need to understand and achieve that potential.”
Baldivis student Oluwasemilore Odedeyi said the scholarship will offer real, tangible help.
“I would consider myself hardworking, resilient, determined and kind. This scholarship means a lot to me. With this scholarship, persistence and hard work I know I will be able to make a good future for myself,” Oluwasemilore said.
“I was born In Africa, Nigeria. Nigeria was dangerous, lacking in resources and the education system didn’t have much to offer, especially for girls.
"My parents completed high school in Africa. However, they didn’t get the opportunity to reach their full level of education. Not only will this scholarship assist me in my plans of one day becoming a doctor, it will enable me to pursue the higher education my parents couldn’t.
"I wish to go to university, attend medical school and proceed with tertiary studies. I will use this scholarship and its opportunities to continue my education without fear of discrimination, to one day become a successful young woman who changes the world for the better. Many girls deserve this scholarship, but I will never take it for granted.”
Oluwasemilore is one of 162 scholarships winners across Australia this year.
Ms Varian said applications will soon open for the next round of scholarships, and encouraged girls from Year 8 who think they might qualify, to consider applying.
“If you’re a girl in Year 8, who thinks that your lack of computer, internet or mentoring is holding you back from success, we’d love to hear from you,” Ms Varian said.
“And of course we would love to hear from more generous donors who can help us fund this program and the wonderful outcomes it is driving for young women.”
Applications for scholarships for 2023 will open from July 13 and close on September 14, 2022.
To find out more information, get involved or support the Harding Miller Education Foundation please visit http://www.hardingmillereducationfoundation.org.au