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Mr Fraser started the not-for-profit Fraser Foundation in 2021 to support passionate early childhood educators to chase their dreams, after his own lived experience as an educator who longed to progress his career by going to University and becoming an early childhood teacher (ECT).
The Foundation supports early childhood professionals across Australia with scholarships toward further study such as a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or Graduate Diploma in the same field. The next scholarship application review is open now and closes 14 April.
“It took me a long time at the beginning of my career to be able to afford to go to university to become a qualified teacher. I did it, but I always thought if I was in a place to help passionate early childhood educators chase their dreams, I would, and now I can,” Mr Fraser said.
More than $200K in scholarships given since 2021
Since its inception, the Foundation has given more than $200,000 in scholarships, including issuing scholarships to several Aboriginal educators in the community of Cherbourg, as part of the Fraser Foundation’s Gundoo Project.
With ‘free kindy’ initiatives being offered across much of the country there is high demand for ECTs, and with the Fraser Foundation’s help, moving up the career ladder to an ECT position can become a reality for many educators.
“It feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders especially with living expenses these days,” recent scholarship recipient Jemma McCormack said.
Mrs McCormack is a proud Wiradjuri woman, mother of two and educator.
“Receiving this scholarship helps me reduce my reliance on student loans, ensuring that I graduate with less debt and greater financial security,” she said. “This financial stability not only benefits me during my university years but also in the years that follow as I continue in the workforce as a teacher of early childhood.”
For fellow recipient Lisa Anastasi the scholarship has meant that she is able to fulfill a long held dream.
“Dreams really do come true to those who never give up,” she said.
“I am in my mid 50s and this scholarship is giving me the opportunity to finally be able to further my education and pursue a lifelong goal of becoming a preschool teacher,” Ms Anastasi added. “I would not have the means to complete my studies and gain my qualifications if it were not for the support of The Fraser Foundation. For this opportunity, I am ever so grateful.”
Applications open across Australia
The Fraser Foundation accepts scholarship applications all year round, and begins its application review process quarterly, conducted by its board of directors. Educators who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, are at least 17 years old and are enrolled or are in the process of enrolling as a full or part time student in an approved Australian bachelor or graduate diploma of early education, are considered.
To determine those who most need the support, the Fraser Foundation board looks at applications from individuals who can prove financial hardship, a vulnerable situation, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or live in a rural or remote location.
“You wouldn’t believe some of the stories we’ve already received of educators overcoming some incredible obstacles in their personal lives all while educating our littlest learners,” Mr Fraser said. “We just want to hear about your passion for early childhood education and how we can help make life easier for you while you further your career dreams.”
To learn more and apply please see here.
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