Program Areas
The Governors of The George Alexander Foundation have chosen to focus on two key areas of interest which reflect the aspirations of George Alexander himself.
Through the Education Program, George Alexander was keen to provide the educational opportunities, that he did not have himself, to talented young people particularly from rural and regional communities.
George also believed that much can and should be done to repair the damage that has been done to the environment, particularly through more sustainable farming practices.
Through both program areas the Foundation has a particular interest in giving young people opportunities to achieve their goals, to broaden their experience and to support their communities.
Environment & Conservation
The Environment & Conservation Program aims:
- To support programs which enable students to gain practical experience in conservation and land management.
- To support "hands-on" local community environmental projects where there is a strong volunteer component.
Education
The Education Program aims:
- To help talented young people who have demonstrated academic ability, particularly those from rural and regional communities, for whom scholarships would make a significant contribution to achieving their educational goals.
- To assist young people to gain or enhance skills, knowledge and experience in technology, design and the traditional trades, through formal education, mentoring programs, and fellowships.
Note: All scholarship program applications must be discussed with The George Alexander Foundation Program Manager prior to submission.
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To provide undergraduate scholarships at universities and TAFE institutes across Australia, for students with academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to their community
- To support mentoring programs in schools, TAFE institutes and universities, particularly those which focus on science, technology, engineering, trades, agriculture and the environment.
Exclusions
The George Alexander Foundation will not make grants to support:
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academic research
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recurrent expenditure for which no future provision is in sight.
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capital or endowment funds established to provide a corpus for institutions.
- retrospective expenditure
Scholarships Programs
'Encouraging bright young students, regardless of background, has been immensely satisfying.' George Alexander 2006 The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships Program was established in 2002 to provide scholarships to students with academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to their community. The first two Scholarship Programs commenced at Griffith University in Queensland and at RMIT University in Victoria. A third program commenced in 2006 at Deakin University campuses in Geelong and Warrnambool in Victoria. The dollar amount of the scholarships and the purposes for which they may be used vary between the different universities, according to the needs and the circumstances of the students. However, all scholarships are only available to commencing students.
RMIT students receive either a one-off grant of $1,500 or a one-off larger scholarship of $7,500 towards education and living expenses. Griffith scholarship holders receive a scholarship of $22,500 over three years to cover their fees at a residential college at the University. At Deakin University, students receive $10,000 over three years for education and living expenses.
Four new Programs have commenced in 2007 at four further education institutes across Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Foundation is in ongoing discussions with other universities and institutes, with a view to establishing new programs.
New Scholarship Programs in 2007
In 2007, a new scholarship program commenced at Charles Darwin University. The George Alexander Scholarships at CDU will be available to both higher education and vocational students who show potential as high achievers and leaders of the future.
Vocational Scholarships
8 scholarships per year over three years, each valued at $1,500, for vocational students with leadership potential. The scholarship will assist students in making the transition into training from school.
Higher Education Scholarship
One scholarship per year over three years, each valued at $6,000, for high achieving school leavers who are disadvantaged by their economic, social or geographic circumstances. The scholarship is to assist with general expenses, including tuition fees and books, travel costs, equipment, material and other expenses based on individual needs.
Accommodation Scholarship
One scholarship per year over three years, each valued at $6,000, for high achieving school leavers who have applied to study a Higher Education course and are disadvantaged by their economic, social or geographic expenses. The scholarship is to assist with the costs of accommodation only.
Indigenous Scholarship
Two scholarships per year over three years, each valued at $12,000 per year for Indigenous applicants. Scholarship winners must have applied to study a Higher Education course, show leadership potential and are economically disadvantaged by their circumstances. The Scholarship is to assist with the costs of accommodation and expenses.
The Gordon Institute of TAFE has received a grant of $15,000 towards a pilot scholarship program for 2007. The grant will allow Gordon to distribute five, one year scholarships valued at $3,000. The scholarships will be targeted at students who are looking to continue their studies but may otherwise be forced to return to work or are financially unable to afford the costs associated with the next level of study. Scholarship winners will have a strong academic record or demonstrated community leadership and involvement. The Scholarship can be used to provide books and training materials, pay tuition and excursion fees or even help to cover travel and accommodation costs.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has received a grant of $9,680 towards a pilot scholarship program to help develop non-profit leaders. QUT will deliver the scholarship program through the Centre of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (CPNS). The Scholarships will be aimed at students who are, or have the potential to be leaders within the Philanthropic or Nonprofit Sectors. The grant will allow QUT to offer two half Graduate Certificate Scholarships, valued at $3,840, in Business (Philanthropy and NonProfit Studies) and four travel contribution scholarships, valued at $500 each, to external students studying via the flexible delivery program who are required to travel for the onsite weekends.
A George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Scheme commenced at Swinburne University of Technology in 2007 to support the living expenses of talented low income students who are living away from home in order to study at Swinburne University.
The Governors of The George Alexander Foundation welcome applications from other Universities to expand the program across Australia
