The Minerva Network is delighted to announce the Newcastle Knights and Wests Group Australia have committed to a third $10,000 12-month tertiary scholarship.
The successful applicant will be the fifth young Australian to be awarded a scholarship under the Minerva Network Scholarship Program, which was launched in September 2020. The four Minerva Athletes who have received scholarships are: Sydney FC and Matildas player Jada Whyman, Australian Rowing Olympian Georgie Rowe OLY, Surf Iron-Woman Jemma Smith and Wheelchair Racer Aimee Fisher.
On track to complete her Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography, 2022 Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship recipient Aimee Fisher said, "I am incredibly grateful to have been a recipient of the Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship. The generous opportunity created by this partnership provided me with the support to pursue my sporting and academic aspirations simultaneously. The contributions made by Minerva and the Newcastle Knights have been instrumental in enabling me to balance my studies and sport, assisting with the financial commitments and encouraging personal development across both career paths."
The 2023 Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship will be open to elite sportswomen who are connected in any way with the Newcastle/Hunter area, who would benefit from financial support to complete or commence an Australian certified education or vocational qualification. The athlete may, for example, be studying at a Newcastle based institution or have lived in or be from around the Newcastle/Hunter region but studying elsewhere, at any stage of their study and in any sport.
Newcastle Knights Chief Executive Officer Philip Gardner said, “Partnering again with the Minerva Network, we are thrilled to announce the award of our third scholarship for women in sport, a testament to our commitment to fostering talent and breaking barriers.
"Our Club is committed to creating and supporting pathways for women in sport. As an NRL Club we have a strong focus on developing rugby league pathways for girls and women, but we also acknowledge the enormous efforts of all women in elite sport and therefore this Scholarship is available to all sporting disciplines.
"This scholarship not only recognises exceptional athletic prowess but also celebrates the dedication, resilience, and passion that women bring to the world of sport. As we continue to champion equality and inclusivity, we look forward to empowering the next generation of female athletes to reach new heights and inspire the world.”
Minerva Chairman Christine McLoughlin AM said, “We know from working with elite athletes over the past six years at the Minerva Network that they juggle training, competing and part-time work to pay the bills, along with their studies. Sadly, when the pressure is on and they need to cover some of the bills, too often those studies are sacrificed.
"These scholarships are an investment in our future as the level of skill and discipline shown by our Minerva Athletes in competing at the highest level are precisely the traits we look for in the world of business. We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Newcastle Knights and Wests Group for their ongoing investment and unwavering commitment to women across all sports.”
The Minerva Network sees the Scholarship program as complementary to the mentoring program and development workshops that it has successfully delivered to date, all on a pro bono basis.
To find out more and apply, click here. You can also download the application form by clicking here.
