The KARI School Scholarship program ultimately strives to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educational outcomes. We aim to achieve this by providing ongoing support with a KARI mentor, as well as a predetermined amount of monetary assistance. This is to cover schooling costs like fees, uniforms, textbooks and excursions.
Every student is paired with a KARI mentor, who visits them each term. During the visit, the mentor offers support with their educational progress and development at school. They also take the opportunity to chat about potential career options and opportunities for further education. This arms the student with the tools and skills needed to take a more proactive approach with their future.
We thank our partners and supporters who have contributed funding to this important program. We have already witnessed great success stories from current and previous scholarship holders and would like to share some of these stories with you all.
Spotlight: Tanaya Edwards – 2017 Scholarship Holder
Currently in Year 12 at Ashcroft High School
Tanaya is an active member of both her local and school community. In 2017 Tanaya was selected as School Captain, a monumental occasion as it is the first time an Aboriginal student has been selected as Captain at Ashcroft High School. In addition, Tanaya is also involved in a number of community initiatives through her local PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) in which she participates in a number of sporting, leadership and Police initiatives, culminating in 2015 when Tanaya made her Debut through the KARI and NSW Police Force Aboriginal girls Debutante Ball program.
Upon finishing school, Tanaya hopes to return to country (that of the Ngarigo people) and work as a Field Officer through National Parks and upon turning 18 apply to the Australian Police Academy at Goulburn, before commencing a Bachelor of Policing at university. It is Tanaya’s ambition to the first person in her family to attend and graduate with a university degree.
“This scholarship has allowed me to achieve the best possible results by providing me with an opportunity. It has helped me and my family concentrate on what’s important and given me the freedom to pursue a great future.”
Emma McEwan Ferguson – Scholarship Holder 2015 & 2016
- Graduated from Westfield Sports High School in 2016
- Emma is a Cadet Leading Seaman in the Australian Naval Cadets
- Currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) at the University of Sydney (USYD)
- Emma was awarded the USYD Aboriginal Susan Wakil Scholarship, valued at $87,500 which is given to one student studying nursing to assist with their studies
“The KARI Scholarship has helped me significantly. I was lucky enough to be a recipient two years in a row and having that support has enabled me to achieve my best possible outcomes and achieve my dream of attending university, studying to be a nurse. Thank you.”
Mitchell Stanmore – Scholarship Holder 2016
- Graduated from Bowral High School in 2016
- Mitchell is a keen sportsman playing in a number of team-based sports such as cricket and soccer
- Mitchell is currently at university, completing a Bachelor of Business Management
“This scholarship allowed me to achieve my best as well as provide me with opportunities to be a more active participant at school. It allowed me to focus and relieved the financial burden from my grandparents. I can’t thank KARI enough.”
Leigh Hanslow – Scholarship Holder 2016
- Graduated from Ambarvale High School in 2016
- Leigh is an avid reader and enjoys sports such as netball and swimming, and assisting in the organisation of swim events and meets
- Leigh is currently at university, completing a Bachelor of Health, Exercise and Sports Science to achieve her career goals of becoming a personal trainer and/or exercise physiologist.
“The KARI Scholarship allowed me to purchase all the resources I needed to complete my higher school certificate. This included my science and biology text books and study materials. Thank you so much.”
Caibryn Keating – Scholarship Holder 2016
- Graduated from Westfield Sports High School in 2016
- Caibryn excelled in sports such as Rugby League and Oztag during his final year. He also loves learning and enjoyed all aspects of school.
- Caibryn is currently at TAFE studying Business.
“Thank you to KARI for providing me with the opportunity to further advance my potential. This has also gotten me closer to studying at TAFE.”