Scholarship Program - Royal Agricultural Society of NSW

BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR RURAL NSW

 
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation
launches 2010 scholarships program

 
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is searching for passionate and enthusiastic people who are determined to make a difference in their rural communities.
 
The RAS Foundation has launched a new series of scholarships, of up to $5,000 each, to assist people living in rural and regional towns across NSW to pursue their dreams of higher education, in turn creating a strong and vibrant community for the future.
 
RAS Foundation Executive Officer Antonia Ruffell says the Foundation aims to break down barriers and give rural people every opportunity possible to study for their chosen career.
 
“There is no limit on the age of the applicant or the types of courses to qualify.
 
“A student could be studying anything from teaching, engineering and physiotherapy to journalism, agricultural science and commerce - and everything in between,” said Ms Ruffell.
 
The criteria covers courses being undertaken at university or TAFE, on campus or by distance learning.
 
Ms Ruffell says the scholarships will help to address the ever increasing skills shortage crippling many rural towns.
 
“Students from rural and regional areas are vastly underrepresented in Australian tertiary institutions. They are more likely than those living in cities to face problems of access and funding in pursuing their education.
 
“It is easy to apply, applicants simply need to fill in the online application form on the RAS Foundation website (www.rasf.org.au) and explain why they are passionate about rural issues,” said Ms Ruffell.
 
Applications are also open for the RAS Foundation specialist scholarship, the third annual    J B Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism.
 
The $10,000 Award encourages undergraduate or postgraduate students to pursue a career in rural journalism and tell the stories of Australian agriculture.
 
RAS Foundation Chairman Mr John B. Fairfax AO says it is important to nurture the future voices of Australian agriculture and ensure quality coverage of rural and regional affairs by Australian journalists.
 
“The Award is designed to attract people who are not merely committed to rural Australia but who are anxious to unearth many of the rich stories that lie hidden within our regional and rural communities.
 
“The rural industry remains a vital part of Australia’s economy and it is important that it is represented with understanding and enthusiasm,” Mr Fairfax said.
 
Each applicant for the Award for Rural Journalism is required to submit a feature article of up to 1200 words which explores a contemporary issue, trend or activity of interest to rural and regional communities.
 
The Award has been established through a private donation from Mr Fairfax, and is managed by the RASF, in collaboration with Rural Press Agricultural Publishing.
 
All applicants must be an Australian citizen or resident and enrolled for study at a registered Australian educational provider.
 
Applications close on 30 September 2010.
 
Funding will be provided for the 2011 academic year.
 
For further information and to lodge an online application please visit  www.rasf.org.au
 
The RAS Foundation is a philanthropic foundation which seeks to encourage educational excellence and foster sustainable rural and regional communities through the provision of grants and scholarships.