At Bairnsdale VIEW Club’s monthly meeting, president Sue welcomed Judi as guest speaker.
Judi is part of the Steers 4 Students committee. Steers 4 Students was initiated by a group of local business people and farmers, as a practical means of providing tertiary education sponsorships for East Gippsland students with passion and ability, but who are financially constrained from further education.
The group purchases steers, which are distributed to various properties for approximately 12 months. The steers are monitored for this period to ensure they are well cared for and increasing the likelihood of top prices at market.
Candidates for the scholarships are nominated by the careers teachers at the three schools – Bairnsdale Secondary College, Nagle College and Lakes Entrance Secondary College.
Students are then interviewed and sponsorships of $5000 are provided to each selected recipient. Generally students will put their funds towards initial costs such as books, rent and bond for independent or dormitory accommodation.
Judi keeps in regular contact with the students as often it is their first time away from East Gippsland and their families.
By assisting rural students to further their education, Steers 4 Students in turn, assists the community to which they belong, as many students return home to live and work, bringing their skills with them.
In the 10 years since the the committee was set up, 30 students have benefited from the sponsorships.
Members were most interested to hear about the wonderful program. Bairnsdale VIEW Club sponsors 19 students on the Smith Family Learning for Life program, which similarly helps create better futures for students through the power of education.
Bairnsdale VIEW Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30am at Club Eastwood.
Guests are welcome to head along to a meeting, meet members and find out more information about the club.
IMAGE: Bairnsdale VIEW Club president Sue and Steers 4 Students committee member Judi. (PS)
