Applications for Cessnock City Council's annual Mayoral Scholarship Program are now open.
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The scholarship program, which is in its 20th year, aims to assist TAFE and university students from the Cessnock local government area to achieve their educational goals by providing financial support.
University of Sydney media and communications student Jenae Madden was one of the recipients in 2021, and said it was a "game changer".
"I was in my third year of university, trying to juggle my studies, my rent, my job and somehow, undertaking work experience at 2NURFM Newcastle's newsroom," the former Kurri Kurri High School student said.
"After only a few weeks, I was struggling to find the time and money to keep up the balancing act.
"I thought for sure I would have to give up my time in the newsroom - I am so lucky I saw the mayoral scholarship when I did.
"Funnily enough, it was a story we reported at the station.
"I thought the money could help me cover some of the expenses of commuting and some weeks of rent, I would be able to cut my shifts at work to focus on my work experience.
"I thought, really, what did I have to lose?
"I was able to keep up my studies and my work experience, which will put me that extra pillar above my colleagues as I apply for media work after I graduate next year."
Ms Madden has since chosen to specialise in audio journalism, and says she would love to work on local news in the Hunter when she finishes university.
She encourages anyone who is thinking about applying for the Mayoral Scholarship Program to do so.
"The doors of opportunity it has opened for me are vast and will see me through to the rest of my studies and, fingers crossed, my career as a fully-fledged journalist, hopefully, right here in the Hunter," she said.
This year's program targets students who are advancing their education in industries offering gainful employment in the Cessnock LGA, such as hospitality, tourism, education, engineering, medical, mining, communications and manufacturing.
"Education can be the foundation of individual economic security and also benefits the entire community," Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal said.
"Cessnock City Council wants to support the people of the Cessnock local government area to achieve academic excellence and this program provides much-needed financial support towards that end."
Successful applicants will receive $2500, awarded in two payments.
To be eligible, applicants must live in the Cessnock LGA and be enrolled in full-time study of a recognised course of qualification at TAFE or university during 2022/2023.
Applications close on April 4. More details can be found at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/msp.
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