ABCN Fogarty Accelerate Scholarships
The ABCN Foundation (Australian Business Community Network) provides intensive mentoring scholarships through the Accelerate program.
The Fogarty Foundation partnered with the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) from 2019 to 2022 with the aim of leveling the playing field and enabling young West Australians to have the opportunity to succeed, despite their background.
Accelerate is a unique three-year scholarship program, run by the ABCN Foundation, combining corporate mentoring and financial relief for high-potential West Australian secondary students from low socio-economic backgrounds. It specifically targets students whose circumstances or background is impacting their ability to pursue tertiary pathways and achieve their potential. The students are matched with corporate mentors from the ABCN network, spending time in structured sessions, one-on-one meetings and networking events. Focus areas include goal setting, leadership training, interview and communication techniques and personal development.
Scholars receive financial support during years 11, 12 and their first year of tertiary education to assist with educational expenses such as laptops, textbooks, uniforms, tuition, school excursions and fees.
I hope to maintain the relationship [with my mentor] for many years to come. I believe I am a more confident, emotionally intelligent and organised person with the help of my mentor and these skills are crucial for future work.
The Program aims to:
- Assist high-potential, disadvantaged students who face significant financial, social and/or family challenges to complete school and engage in further education and training.
- Support disadvantaged students through a combination of financial assistance and the development of a positive relationship with a professional role model and mentor.
- Provide opportunities for disadvantaged students to develop essential workplace skills, financial literacy and clarity around educational, tertiary and career goals through exposure to the corporate environment.
