Back then the former Young High School student had her sights firmly set on a career in health with no less than two double degrees to tackle over a four year period.

Today a qualified registered nurse and paramedic, working full time at Westmead Children’s Hospital and doing her Honours in Nursing, Samantha agrees that without the assistance of the Young Education Fund, she would have found the going gruelling.

Students contemplating university have various expenses to consider; tuition fees, accommodation fees, course expenses like textbooks and materials, and general living expenses.

“By far the greatest cost burden to me was the text books,” she said, “when you’re doing a double degree it becomes a ridiculous expense.”

She estimates the books to have totalled around $4000 over the duration of her time at university.

But she’d done advance research and discovered the university offered a Co-op Scholarship which provided a $500 credit per annum for the purchase of books.

That, combined with the scholarship offered by the Young Education Fund, ensured Samantha was able to cover her textbook costs.

Add to the mix a part-time role tutoring students and accommodation in sub-standard accommodation near the campus, Samantha said she was able to fully fund her way through university.

The Young Education Foundation was established under the auspices of the Country Education Foundation of Australia to provide much-needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations. 

It recognised the cost to rural students pursuing their post high school goals was often greater than those of their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes these costs can be prohibitive.

Through annual fundraising activities and donations from local residents and businesses, financial grants could be offered to students who need an extra helping hand. 

Over a 10 year period they had offered around $100,000 to local students.

Samantha said she was very grateful to have recieved funding over several years from the Young Education Foundation.

“I am very appreciative of the role in which the local committee play in our town,” she said.

“Without their contribution, the cost involved in tertiary study would make it very difficult for a lot of students from our local area,” she said.

But she said potential students should not be daunted by the prospect of attending university or other tertiary institutions. 

“There is always support out there - it’s just a matter of planning,” she said.

The Young Education Fund was established in 2001 and, since then, has distributed 131 grants.

People wishing to know more about it or to help with fundraising efforts should call Jenny Jubb on 0408 238 039 or email ber at: jenny.jubb@frameworkgroup.com.au.