In addition to awarding new and renewal scholarships to talented and motivated young people, Western Chances facilitates a range of excellent and potentially life changing opportunities for young people in Melbourne’s west via our education, business and community partners.
These opportunities achieve our vision to help young people reach their potential, and provide a holistic approach to supporting recipients for the long term. The opportunities assist young people to identify and achieve their education and career goals and meet needs they have identified as important to their success and wellbeing. These are high-quality experiences that the young people may not otherwise access, be aware of, or be able to afford.
Victoria University
Western Chances recipients who attend Victoria University are offered the $1,000 Access Scholarship for up to four years of study. Western Chances recipients do not need to go through the formal application process, they automatically qualify. 35 scholarships are available each year (25 Higher Education, 10 TAFE).
Trinity College residential scholarships
Recipients planning to study at The University of Melbourne are able to apply for a residential scholarship to Trinity College. In general terms, scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, academic excellence, personal qualities and the student’s likely contribution to the College community.
University of Melbourne - Ormond College
In addition to its residential programs Ormond College offers a college-based program for non-residential students. Western Chances is offered six new non-resident scholarship places each year.
Dafydd Lewis Trust and Mary Jane Lewis Foundation Scholarships
The Daffyd Lewis Trust (DLT) and Mary Jane Lewis Foundation (MJL) Scholarships are equity and merit based scholarships available respectively to young men and women entering their first year of university. Western Chances identifies candidates for the DLT and MJL scholarships, supports their applications and advocates on their behalf. Scholarships are awarded for 3 years and are valued at $10,000 per annum.
Lord Somers & Lady Somers Camps
Western Chances recipients are offered places in Big Camp each year. Big Camps are a fun and energetic personal and team based challenge unlike any other. Big Camp challenges the perceptions that young people hold about themselves and others and brings together young people from all backgrounds for a unique, once in a lifetime experience.
The Institute for Enquiring Minds
The Institute for Enquiring Minds (TIfEM) is an educational initiative dedicated to helping under-resourced school students improve their maths skills. Its goal is to increase participation in advanced secondary school maths. TIfEM awards scholarships to deserving high school students based on financial need and a desire to learn. The scholarships award recipients a term's worth of one-on-one mentoring from a highly skilled mathematician.
Spark Engineering
Spark Engineering Camp is a not for profit, Youth Without Borders initiative that provides an opportunity for years 10-12 high school students to experience university life and see what engineering has to offer. Over the 5-7 day camp students stay on university grounds at a residential college, with activities planned throughout the city.
VCE Summer School
Held at the University of Melbourne, VCE Summer School exists to increase educational equity in Victoria through its two week headstart program for years 11 and 12 VCE students, who are primarily from under-represented schools. Over the two week program, students are tutored by qualified teachers and university-age students in the skills they need to study, learn and succeed in VCE.
RMIT Laptops
Through the RMIT Equity Notebook Grant, Western Chances nominates recipients who are enrolled in first year full time study to receive a laptop.
Deakin Western Chances Scholarship
Western Chances recipients entering first year of study at Deakin University are eligible for the Deakin Western Chances scholarship which is valued at up to $4,000 in the first year of study. Recipients must apply via the Deakin scholarships page.
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
The Melbourne Graduate School of Education runs a four day summer program in January for students commencing years 9 and 10. This innovative four day program is an exciting chance for our recipients to get a head start on the academic year, to broaden their interests and to experience a taste of university life.
EY Career Coaching Program
Multinational professional services firm, EY runs a career coaching program each year for Western Chances tertiary recipients. A limited number of young people are able to access this six month program where they are paired with a senior manager at EY who acts as mentor and career coach.
Ticket Giveaways
Western Chances secondary and tertiary recipients and alumni are offered tickets to cultural and sporting events including art exhibitions, concerts, festivals and football matches.
For all opportunities, please contact the Programs Team on 03 8345 7813 or info@westernchances.og.au