Education CHANCES

Education CHANCES began in 2006 after commissioned research highlighted considerable levels of scattered poverty and social isolation in Boroondara. The Boroondara community ranks number 1 for relative advantage in Victoria. This image of affluence threatens to conceal the challenges faced by some families in the community. Despite the wealth around them, 3,900 young people, aged 12-25 live in households with incomes that place them below the poverty line. Finding support in a relatively affluent area can be challenging, people may feel shame in asking for help and the support that is available is often less accessible and resourced compared with other areas.

Education CHANCES provides scholarships to students and young people between the ages of 12 and 25 who are experiencing financial hardships. An Education CHANCES scholarship provides young people with recognition and motivation to excel in their studies, to complete their education and achieve to their fullest potential. An Education CHANCES scholarship, contributes positively to the wellbeing of a young person, helping to decrease feelings of social isolation and promoting inclusion within the school setting where previously, social isolation due to financial hardship, had impacted the young person.

Education CHANCES supports qualifying scholarship recipients year on year throughout their secondary and tertiary education. This provides for our scholarship recipients a sense of long-term financial security and motivates them towards completing their studies and aspiring towards the pursuit of higher education and a meaningful career. A scholarship is a young person’s key to their future, providing hope, excitement, enthusiasm and energy for their life’s journey.