Financially disadvantaged school students in the ACT, from preschool to year 12, are now eligible for a leg-up to assist in their education.
Applications are open for the ACT Government’s Future of Education Equity Fund, which gives eligible families access to one-off payments to help cover the costs of uniforms, excursions, sport equipment, tuition, and music lessons.
The payment for preschool students is $400, primary school students can receive $500, and high school and college students are eligible for $750. The Fund supported over 3,400 ACT students in 2022.
With applications officially opening four weeks after the beginning of the school year, the timing of the Fund has been criticised.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry said the government will “work towards making sure that it’s available earlier in the year for the start of the 2024 year …”
Ms Berry recognised the pressure parents face in preparing their children for the school year and said she “realised that there’s a four-week gap”.
The government has committed to spend $11 million over four years on the program. Students enrolled in non-government schools are also eligible for the Fund.
“No young person should miss out on a school excursion or activity because their family might be struggling financially. There is support available,” Ms Berry said.
“The Future of Education Equity Fund can help relieve the financial stress some families might be experiencing and give all children an equal change to participate fully at school.”
ACT Parents & Citizens Executive Officer, Veronica Elliot, said: “It’s so important that families that might be struggling financially at the moment know there is support available. These payments can help relieve stress and allow kids to participate fully at school.”
Applications for the 2023 school year are open until term four, closing on 3 November 2023.
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.
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