Six weeks into the new school year, the ACT Government’s Future of Education Equity Fund has provided more than $1.5 million to Canberra families in need.

The one-off payment supports financially disadvantaged families with students who are enrolled in preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school. It provides $400 for preschool students, $500 for primary school students, and $750 for high school and college students to buy books, uniforms, excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, music lessons, and other essentials.

Since it opened in January, the Equity Fund has supported nearly 2,600 students from 1,225 Canberra families.

Last year, the Fund supported 5,000 students, and disbursed more than $2.9 million.

Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, said the Equity Fund helps Canberra students in need to access items and services that help them fully engage with their education.

“We know that many Canberrans are doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures at the moment,” Ms Berry said.

“The Education Equity Fund is there for parents and carers to hopefully take a bit of that pressure off.

“We want to make sure all of our students have an equal chance to fully engage in their education.”

Applications for the 2024 school year will remain open until 29 November. Information about the fund, and a link to apply online, is available at www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families.