Vulnerable Canberra families can now access financial support to help cover the costs of education expenses with the Education Directorate opening applications for its Future of Education Equity Fund.
Encouraging families to apply, Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry said the fund helped cover the costs of school uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition and music lessons – “things we know help students fully engage with their education.”
“No young person should miss out on a school excursion or activity because their family might be struggling financially,” Ms Berry said.
“There is support available,” she said.
“The Future of Education Equity Fund can help relieve the financial stress some families might be experiencing and give all children an equal chance to participate fully at school.”
Ms Berry said the fund was open to preschool to Year 12 students (including in non-government schools) from financially disadvantaged families residing in the ACT.
She said the Directorate recognised that families may encounter financial difficulties at any point in the school year, so applications for the 2023 school year were open until Term 4, closing on 3 November.
The Minister said the payments were $400 for preschool students, $500 for primary school students and $750 for high school students.
Further information on the Education Directorate’s Future of Education Equity Fund can be accessed at this PS News link.
