Transformational Public Education Scholarships Awarded to NSW Students

Yesterday’s 2024 Proudly Public! Awards ceremony at Sydney Town Hall saw the presentation of scholarships to over 300 public school students and teachers. The 62 Public Education Foundation scholarships help students in a variety of fields, such as teacher development, refugee assistance, vocational study support, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.

More than $10 million in transformative scholarships have been awarded by the Foundation to 3,218 students and more than 120 instructors since the start of PEF’s scholarship program in 2009.

Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the scholarships could be a game changer for many students and change their life trajectory. “Our world-class public education system empowers our students and can be an equaliser within our society – that’s why these scholarships are so important to our students who face disadvantage,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Thank you to our staff who support student excellence and the Public Education Foundation for its ongoing support of public education in NSW. “I am proud of our students, teachers and leaders who have won scholarships and I look forward to seeing the scholarship recipients go on to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.” David Riordan, CEO of the Public Education Foundation (PEF), emphasized further that the scholarships were recognized for their ability to “change lives”. “Proudly Public! celebrates the best and brightest students and educators in our public school system,” stated Mr. Riordan.

“We also want to acknowledge our premium partners and other generous and supportive partners and donors who assist us in providing more of these life-altering scholarships.”
By offering scholarships to students, instructors, and administrators in public schools, the Public Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to raising the standard and worth of public education.