With just days remaining before applications close, the NSW Government is making a final call for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to seise a life-changing opportunity through their Youth Development Scholarships programme. The initiative, offering $1,000 grants to eligible students, aims to bridge the educational gap for young people living in social housing or out-of-home care.
“Education is expensive, and never more so than in a cost-of-living crisis,” says Rebecca Pinkstone, CEO of Homes NSW. “A scholarship of $1,000 can be the difference between a young person choosing to pursue their dreams or having to put them on hold.”
Now in its ninth successful year, the programme has already transformed thousands of lives, providing crucial support for everything from laptops to textbooks and internet access. With 1,500 scholarships up for grabs in 2025, the government is casting a wide net to reach eligible students across various housing situations, including community housing, Aboriginal community housing, and supported accommodation.
Success Stories That Inspire
The real impact of these scholarships is best told through the eyes of its recipients. Benjamin Narooz McGrory, now employed at the University of Sydney Union, credits the scholarship with making his university dreams possible. “Having a scholarship meant that someone believed in me,” he reflects. “It was critical in helping me sustain my studies and graduate.”
Current Year 12 student Kaylab Kingston represents the next generation of hopefuls. Living with autism and facing family challenges, Kaylab sees the scholarship as a gateway to pursuing their passion for design. “I plan to use the scholarship to create a better study environment that works for me,” they explain, highlighting the practical impact these funds can have on individual learning journeys.
Time is Running Out
For high school students considering applying, the clock is ticking – applications close at 5pm on 21 February 2025. Tertiary students have until 14 March 2025, to submit their applications.
The programme is open to both new applicants and returning scholars who received support between 2017 and 2024, provided they continue to meet eligibility criteria.
“We want to empower young people in social housing and out-of-home care,” Pinkstone emphasises. “This is about giving them that crucial leg-up to achieve their academic and career goals.”
How to Apply
Interested students can find detailed information and application guidelines at https://dcjnsw.info/scholarships
