OPTUS GRANT SUPPORTS MELBOURNE SCHOLARSHIPS

Optus funding has enabled Western Chances to expand its educational scholarship program to 15 financially disadvantaged students in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Supported with $10,000 in funding from this year’s Optus Community Grants program, Western Chances is providing laptops and software to support talented and motivated high school and tertiary students, whose financial, social or cultural circumstances prevent them from fully accessing educational and employment opportunities.

The scholarship program provides students with technology which is essential for completing assignments, conducting research and staying connected with teachers and other students.

Rhyll Dorrington, CEO of Western Chances, said, “The Optus Community Grant has made it possible for us to provide support to disadvantaged students in the form of 15 laptops, providing access to technology, opening up opportunities to help further their education and achieve their career goals.”

Helen Maisano, Associate Director Corporate Social Responsibility at Optus said, “Optus sees a real community benefit by investing in an organisation that helps young people access the best opportunities no matter what their circumstances may be. We know that education is an important pathway out of generational poverty, and that access to education can lead to better employment opportunities.

“We are delighted that the Optus Community Grants program will enable the Western Chances organisation assist young people in Melbourne’s western suburbs with the tools and support they need to be able to reach their full potential and carve out a successful future.”

The annual Optus Community Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that provide a range of support services to its surrounding community. Over the past five years, Optus has donated almost 1.2 million dollars to more than 200 community organisations across Australia.

For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants

Contact Details:

Fuel Communications: 02 8217 6500/ Optus@fuelcommunications.com.au