Two passionate and inspiring Gippsland women pursuing careers in education and science have been awarded AusNet scholarships to support their studies at Federation University.
The scholarships are part of AusNet’s 10-year, $280,000 agreement with Federation University Australia to support the next generation of Victoria’s workforce.
Ebony Henderson, who is studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Churchill, is the first person in her family to attend university. She was awarded the AusNet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarship.
“I’m particularly passionate about ensuring everyone has access to education, particularly those who may have additional or complex needs,” Ebony said.
“I hope to ultimately secure a role in inclusive education where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students that might otherwise find it difficult to thrive in a mainstream school environment,” Ebony said.
Jessica Scott-Smith was also awarded an AusNet scholarship. A trained horticulturalist, Jessica has always had a passion for the natural environment.
She hopes to work with a government or environmental agency where she is able to influence policy and contribute to protecting the natural environment.
“I really want to make a positive impact on the natural world and contribute to finding solutions to some of the environmental challenges we’re currently facing,” Jessica said.
“I’m incredibly passionate about environmental conservation and am excited about the opportunities my studies will open for me to pursue work in this field,” she said.
AusNet’s Executive General Manager People and Safety, Bridget Cairns said the scholarships are just one small way the organisation can invest in the future workforce.
“These scholarships are about more than just supporting people through their degrees. It’s about investing in the workforce of tomorrow and empowering students who demonstrate a passion and drive to make an impact in their chosen fields,” Ms Cairns said.
“I hope to be a teacher who is able to differentiate for all students in the classroom, helping to allow ALL students to feel confident, supported, and loved in a mainstream school environment,” Ebony said.
Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said AusNet’s scholarships helped support students to further their studies, while allowing them to continue valuable community work like volunteering.
“We are incredibly proud of scholarship recipients like Ebony and Jessica who are dedicated to their chosen fields, and are already serving the community, using the skills they’ve learnt here on campus and their desire to help other people, Vice Chancellor Bentley said.
“We look forward to watching these students continue to grow and learn.”
This is the second year AusNet has supported scholarships at Federation University.