Mackay student wins Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarship

Karja Brown is a young woman with determination and now a scholarship will further help her inspire women to achieve more.

Karja Brown is a young woman with determination and now a scholarship will further help her inspire women to achieve more.

The Mackay North State High School Year 9 student was awarded with a life-changing Harding Miller Education Foundation academic scholarship.

She was one of 150 successful recipients from more than 700 applicants for the scholarship awarded to Year 9.

The four years of scholarship support is valued at more than $20,000.

“Not only am I so proud of receiving this scholarship but it makes me even more proud as I cam an Indigenous student, and it makes me believe that all things are possible,” Ms Brown said.

“If I can be a role model to other Indigenous girls, that's pretty amazing.”

Successful applicants in Year 9 are invited to reapply for another two years of support at the end of Year 10.

The Harding Miller Education Foundation is focused on supporting hardworking and high academic achieving young women.

Mackay North State High School student Karja Brown (centre) with Harding Miller Education Foundation executive director Cara Varian (left) and Gina Fairfax from the Ningana Trust who support some of the Harding Miller Education Scholarships in Queensland.

The scholarship program provides scholarship winners with valuable tools and support to help optimise academic success and achieve their career aspirations.

Scholarship recipients receive new laptops, high speed internet, face-to-face and online tutoring, subject, and career guidance, mentoring and financial support to help cover the costs of uniforms, books and school expenses.

The Harding Miller Education Foundation executive director Cara Varian said Ms Brown was very deserving of the scholarship.

“The Harding Miller Education Foundation’s vital support for high-potential young girls experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, has become even more critical as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” she said.

“At the Harding Miller Education Foundation, we are focused on providing talented, hardworking and high achieving young Australian women with tools, resources and support to help them reach their full potential.

“Our scholarships are more than just financial support. Our scholars are also paired with a coach who provides them with support throughout the year.

“Karja is well deserving of this support, and we are sure it will help her achieve success in coming years and put her in a position to fulfil her academic goals and future career aspirations.”

Mrs Varian said the foundation encouraged other young girls who may need support to consider applying for a scholarship this year.

Since its launch in 2016 Harding Miller Education Foundation has supported more than 600 scholarship recipients in more than 300 public high schools in every state and territory of Australia.

Applications for scholarships for 2022 will open from mid-July and close in mid-September.

To find out more information, get involved or support the Harding Miller Education Foundation, visit hardingmillereducationfoundation.org.au