Application period
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Scholarships are provided through a bi-annual (April/May) and (September/October) grant process. Scholarships are merit based and average about $1,000 per successful scholarship applicant. Smaller grants (under $500) can be applied for throughout the year.
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Eligibility
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The young person needs to be:
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- Able to demonstrate talent or ability, that given the opportunity could develop further.
- From a socially, economically disadvantaged background. (Demonstrated by eligibility for Education Maintenance Allowance, Youth Allowance, AB Study, Parent Health Care Card or other evidence of financial need).
- From primary school age to 25 years.
- Nominated by an organisation such as a school or welfare agency (applications will not be received directly from a family or individual).
- Attending a State School or Tertiary Institution.
- Exceptional circumstance applications may be accepted outside normal timelines or guidelines.
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Scholarships will be awarded at the discretion of the Western Chances Board to applicants who best meet the criteria and demonstrate their passion to develop their talent.
The catchment areas from which scholarship applicants can be nominated are Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham local government areas.
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Application process
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Applications will only be accepted on the Western Chances application form and can only be made by the professional person (Nominator) involved in collaboration with the young person and their family or guardian. The Nominator needs to fill in the application form — not the young person.
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The referring professional in collaboration with the young person and their family must complete the application form. The referring professional, the young person and the parent or guardian (if appropriate) must sign the application form.
Western Chances considers someone over 12 years of age to be a young person and they should be encouraged to participate in the process.
It is an expectation that the referring professional will complete the two referee checks on behalf of the applicant. The Western Chances Selection Panel will assess the application. This panel comprises representatives from educational, training and welfare organisations in the community.
The Selection Panel will make a recommendation in respect of the application and this recommendation will go to the Western Chances Board for final decision.
The referring professional will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application after the above deliberations have occurred.
All applications will be treated as strictly confidential and only discussed with the Selection Panel or relevant individuals for whom a signed release of information consent form has been obtained.
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