The South Australian Government has committed $30,000 to continue an important scholarship program which is helping young South Australians with disabilities to undertake tertiary studies. Employment, Higher Education and Skills Minister Gail Gago said the funding for the Sir Charles Bright Scholarship program will be provided over five years from 2016-2020.
“I’m very pleased to be able to recommit funding for this fantastic program which provides financial support for students with disabilities to undertake post-secondary education,” Ms Gago said “The Sir Charles Bright Scholarship was established in 1985 in memory of Sir Charles Bright, a former judge of the Supreme Court and Chancellor of the University of Adelaide.”
Ms Gago explained that each scholarship recipient receives a one-off payment of $1500 to assist with study expenses, such as specialised equipment, computer updates, note takers and course fees, as well as paying for extra access cabs.
“To keep up with the cost of living increases, under this new funding arrangement we’ve increased each scholarship by $500 per year,” Ms Gago said.
Administrator of the Sir Charles Bright Scholarship Trust, Ms Rosemary Penn, welcomed the funding recommitment.
“Thanks to Government assistance and donations from service clubs and organisations, so far we have been able to assist 17 students in a wide range of fields ranging from teaching music, childcare, winemaking and other areas of academia,” Ms Penn said