Mentor Support Network

14/12/2025

🎄 This holiday season, give a gift that creates opportunity. ⭐

As the year draws to a close, many young people across the Hunter region are preparing for the next stage of their education, often while facing financial hardship, family challenges, or limited access to support.

At Mentor Support Network, we provide scholarships that help students stay in school, complete their studies, and plan for a brighter future.

Please consider our organisation for your tax-deducatable end-of-year giving. Every contribution, large or small, helps remove barriers and open doors for local students.

🎁👇 DONATE HERE TODAY! 🎁 👇
https://www.mycause.com.au/charity/46114/MentorSupportNetwork

Together, we can invest in education, equity, and the future of young people in our region.

03/12/2025

🎉 Big news! Our 2026 Educational Scholarship recipients have been announced!

MSN is delighted to award 51 scholarships to students across the Hunter who are entering Year 11 or the final year of their trade studies in 2026.

These scholarships—each valued at up to $2,000—help young people who are experiencing financial hardship stay engaged in school, purchase essential items like laptops, uniforms, tools and equipment, and stay on track toward their goals.

Students from 18 Hunter high schools and trade colleges were nominated by their teachers and completed interviews in October before being selected. We are incredibly proud of their resilience, motivation, and commitment to their education.

A huge thank-you to our wonderful teachers, sponsors, donors and partners. Without your generosity, this program simply wouldn’t exist. 💙

We also have exciting news to share! MSN is expanding our support:

✨ Introducing our new Senior Educational Scholarships (valued at $500) for existing Year 11 recipients
✨ A Tertiary Scholarship Program is on the way for 2026

We can’t wait to continue supporting these amazing students as they work towards their dreams. 🌟

27/08/2025

Did you know?

Recent studies show young people in the Hunter region continue to face serious barriers to staying in education, including:

📉 Socio‑economic disadvantage:
Around 57% of people in the Hunter New England and Central Coast region experience socioeconomic disadvantage, significantly higher than the NSW average of 38%

📉 Attendance & Wellbeing Challenges:
A 2024 survey by the NSW Teachers Federation found 72% of principals and teachers reported a decline in student wellbeing and engagement, and only 3% of schools were considered well‑resourced

📉 Transport as a Barrier:
A report by the Hunter Youth Committee highlighted that lack of reliable and affordable transport severely limits access to education, jobs, and services, especially for regional youth

That’s why we do what we do … By addressing both the practical and personal hurdles students face, MSN provides the support that makes staying in education possible.

✨ Join Us in Making a Difference
https://www.mycause.com.au/charity/46114/MentorSupportNetwork

12/08/2025

“I’m not going to give up.”

This powerful quote from a young student in The Conversation’s recent article reflects exactly why Mentor Support Network exists.

The article highlights the barriers disadvantaged young people face when trying to access tertiary education—and the difference targeted support, mentoring, and financial assistance can make. At MSN, this is our mission in action.

✅ Scholarships to reduce financial pressure

✅ Guidance to build confidence and connection

✅ Long-term support through critical education transitions

We see firsthand how the right support at the right time helps students not only get to Year 12, university or TAFE—but thrive once they're there. The data backs it. The students prove it.

Read the article:
https://theconversation.com/im-not-going-to-give-up-how-to-help-more-disadvantaged-young-people-go-to-uni-and-tafe-259444

The Albanese government wants to see 80% of Australian workers have a TAFE or uni qualification by 2050, up from the current 60%.

12/08/2025

🚨 2026 Scholarship Applications are Open!🚨

We're accepting applications for our 2026 Educational Scholarships Program proudly supporting local students in the Hunter Region with financial assistance to help them thrive.

Each scholarship is valued at up to $2,000 and is available to students:
✔️ Entering Year 11 in 2026
✔️ Attending a high school, TAFE, or vocational college in the Hunter
✔️ Experiencing financial hardship or other socio-economic challenges
✔️ Who demonstrate determination to succeed

These scholarships are designed to support students to stay in education, work toward their goals, and build a brighter future—regardless of grades or background.

Key Dates:
🔹 Applications close: 26 September 2025
🔹 Interviews: 20–22 October 2025
🔹 Scholarships awarded: December 2025

If you know a young person who could benefit from a scholarship, encourage them to apply or connect with their school for support.

🔗 https://mentorsupportnetwork.com.au/scholarships/educational-scholarships/

The Mentor Support Network educational scholarships program has been in operation since the first awards for studies in 2008.

30/07/2025

🚨 Exciting News from Mentor Support Network! 🚨

We're proud to announce a major expansion of our Educational Scholarship Program starting in 2026.

In addition to our core scholarships for Year 10 students and trade college learners, MSN will introduce two new scholarship pathways:

- Senior Educational Scholarships for students entering Year 12
- Tertiary Scholarships for students progressing to university or
TAFE in 2027

“This initiative strengthens our long-term support and helps students who’ve already shown commitment and resilience to continue their educational journey,” said Julie Rich, Chair of MSN.

Read more in Newcastle Weekly: https://newcastleweekly.com.au/mentor-support-network-unveils-two-new-scholarship-opportunities/

Mentor Support Network (MSN) will extend its educational scholarship program to further assist high school students in the Hunter.