Supporting students who lived or went to school in the postcodes of 2443, 2444, 2445, 2446 or 2439.
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Hastings Education Fund was established to provide financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations.
We recognise that the cost of regional students pursuing further education and training is often much higher than their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes, these costs can be prohibitive.
With this in mind, Hastings fundraises throughout the year to provide financial grants to celebrate the aspirations of our local youth and help them achieve their goals.
Hastings Education Fund was established to provide financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations.
We recognise that the cost of regional students pursuing further education and training is often much higher than their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes, these costs can be prohibitive.
With this in mind, Hastings fundraises throughout the year to provide financial grants to celebrate the aspirations of our local youth and help them achieve their goals.
Our impact
since 2011
353
Students Supported
$1,077,150
In Financial Support
Our local grants
Local grants are provided to enable rural and regional youth to continue their education and training post high school, whether that’s university study, a trade, a diploma or certificate, or an apprenticeship.
Local grant funds are given as reimbursements to cover educational expenses like textbooks, travel, laptops, accommodation, tools, uniforms and other study related costs.
HEF has two ways of supporting our young people:
• Commencing Grants support the first year of post-school study
• Continuing Scholarships support ongoing years of study
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a grant from Hastings you:
• Are aged between 16-25;
• Live or went to school in the Hastings footprint;
• Can demonstrate need; and,
• Show commitment to achieving your goal.
After applications close, the committee will review all applications.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, with grants allocations based on the application and interview.
Our local scholarships
Thanks to the support of local donors, we also offer the following scholarships. HEF CONTINUING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Open from 1st – 20th October
Only for current year HEF grant recipients
HEF provides two additional scholarships which provide $5,000 per annum for up to three years to two tertiary students who, in the previous year, received a HEF Commencing Grant. The scholarships operate in the same way as the HEF grant i.e. reimbursement for validated educational expenses. Continuation of the scholarship in subsequent years depends on successful completion of each year of studies.
Essential selection criteria are the demonstration of:
– continuing financial need including details of government support and other grants/scholarships received
– successful completion of year 1 of their tertiary studies; and commitment to completion of their tertiary studies.
Responsibilities of the scholarship recipient are:
– completion of a twice-yearly report for HEF on your progress including an academic transcript
– identification of how the grant has assisted you in achieving your goals for each semester.
To be considered for either of these Scholarships for Continuing Education you must:
– submit an application through the CEF website. Applications are open from 1st October.
This is the same process as your initial application for a HEF grant. Choose “Yes have applied before”, complete the relevant details and indicate in the ‘Supporting Statement’ section, which scholarship/s you are applying for
– participate in an interview (personal or online) with the scholarship sponsors and members of the HEF Committee
– attend the HEF Presentation Ceremony in December
Your application will be strengthened by the inclusion of evidence to support your financial and circumstantial need, your commitment to your chosen academic pathway and your current performance. Evidence may include financial statements, academic transcripts, references and a record of your successful transition to tertiary education.
Kay and John Burman Scholarship for Continuing Education
The scholarship sponsors, Kay and John Burman, wish to develop a positive and supportive relationship with the recipient in addition to the financial support. Their interest in the success and progress of the recipient is not only in providing funding, but also on a more personal level.
You are asked to provide a short non-financial progress report direct to the sponsors twice each year to let them know how you are going. Your initiative and commitment is expected. Soon after the scholarship is confirmed, the sponsors and the recipient will meet to discuss how they will communicate during the year.
Lewis Land Group Scholarship for Continuing Education
Preference will be given to tertiary students undertaking studies in a relevant subject, including property, construction, engineering, business, finance, law and/or communications. As part of the scholarship, Lewis Land Group will also seek to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to undertake paid work experience that is relevant to their field of study at one of their businesses located in Port Macquarie, Sydney, Adelaide and/or the Gold Coast.
About Lewis Land Group
Lewis Land Group is Australia’s oldest and most experienced private property developer with an unmatched wealth of experience in waterfront residential development. Over the past 63 years, the Group has developed more than 20,000 residential lots across Australia’s eastern seaboard, including Sovereign Hills in Port Macquarie.
The Group also owns and operates a portfolio of retail and hospitality assets in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
The CEF Extra Program provides additional scholarships funded by generous donors, corporate and philanthropic partners.
When you receive a local grant, you may be nominated for a CEF Extra scholarship.
Student FAQs
Which postcodes meet the eligibility criteria?
If you lived or attended school in 2443, 2444, 2445, 2446 or 2439, you are eligible to apply for a grant from Hastings.
What local schools are covered by the foundation?
Our local area schools
Camden Haven High School
Hastings Home Education Community
Hastings Secondary College – Port Macquarie Campus
Hastings Secondary College – Westport Campus
Heritage Christian School
MacKillop College
Nautilus Senior College
Newman Senior Technical College
St Columba Anglican College
St Joseph’s Regional College
Wauchope High School
Is there an age criteria?
You must be between the ages of 16 and 25.
Your obligations
When you receive a CEF grant, you agree to the following obligations:
Notify CEF if any of your circumstances change. This includes contact or enrolment details.
Report to CEF every six months (mid and end of year).
Where possible, assist with and attend local foundation fundraising and promotional events.
Mid and End of Year Progress Reports
As part of receiving a grant, you will need to report to Hastings and the CEF national office every six months on how you are progressing, how the grant has assisted you and provide your marks/grades for the semester if applicable. You will receive an email asking you to fill out an online form for mid-year and end-of-year progress reports.
How do I claim funds?
We do not provide cash grants directly to grant recipients. Hastings reimburses you for a pre-agreed expense or pays for the goods and services directly to the provider.
You cannot be reimbursed for more funds or spend more money than you have been allocated in any financial year.
Please contact our Treasurer if you have questions about claiming funds.
Send us an email
CEF Connect Program
When you receive a CEF scholarship or grant, you automatically become a member of the CEF family.
Membership is free and opens up a range of benefits from mentoring and networking opportunities to speaker events.
See more about the CEF Connect Program here.
Can I apply again next year?
Grants are given on an annual basis, so you need to apply each year for funding. Keep an eye on the open and close dates of your foundation.
Our Hastings Team
Hastings Education Fund is run by a committee of enthusiastic local volunteers. If you would like to get involved, volunteer or donate, please reach out to us.
Our Hastings Supporters
Our work in Hastings is made possible thanks to the support of generous individuals, local businesses and groups.
They help us continue our work to support local students.
What our Hastings students & volunteers say
Thanks to CEF’s support, my financial stress has significantly reduced, giving me the freedom to pursue opportunities that align with my long term goals, rather than short-term income.
I now feel much more confident that when I graduate, I’ll have the skills, experience and perspective needed to make the impact I aspire to.
I now feel much more confident that when I graduate, I’ll have the skills, experience and perspective needed to make the impact I aspire to.
Jasmine
BACHELOR OF POLITICS, PHILOSOPY AND ECONOMICS | UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
I can’t thank CEF enough for the support they have continued to provide. My dreams and goals would not be possible without CEF support and they truly make career aspirations become possible for young people in rural
and regional Australia.
and regional Australia.
Luka
BACHELOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCE/DOCTOR OF MEDICINE | UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND
Thanks to CEF’s support, my financial stress has significantly reduced, giving me the freedom to pursue opportunities that align with my long term goals, rather than short-term income.
I now feel much more confident that when I graduate, I’ll have the skills, experience and perspective needed to make the impact I aspire to.
I now feel much more confident that when I graduate, I’ll have the skills, experience and perspective needed to make the impact I aspire to.
Jasmine
BACHELOR OF POLITICS, PHILOSOPY AND ECONOMICS | UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
I can’t thank CEF enough for the support they have continued to provide. My dreams and goals would not be possible without CEF support and they truly make career aspirations become possible for young people in rural
and regional Australia.
and regional Australia.
Luka
BACHELOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCE/DOCTOR OF MEDICINE | UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND
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