Last Chance For Schools To Apply For $5.2m Schools First Awards

Last Chance For Schools to Apply for $5.2M Schools First Awards Before Applications Close

Schools, community groups and businesses throughout Australia are being reminded to make sure they submit their applications for the $5.2 million Schools First Awards prior to the official closing time of 5.00pm AEST on Friday, 30 July, 2010.

Schools First is brought to life by NAB in partnership with The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) and Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).

"Schools First is committed to rewarding and acknowledging schools that are working in partnership with their local community to improve the lives of young people", said Jodi Cryan, Head of Schools First, NAB. "This year we have 108 awards ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 available for schools all around Australia, and we strongly encourage schools to make sure they submit their application online at the Schools First website prior to applications closing on July 30."

In its second year, Schools First is open to all primary and secondary schools across Australia. This dynamic national awards program is based on research conducted by ACER that indicates a student's education is improved when they are engaged with their community.

The aim of Schools First is to reward and recognise schools that improve student outcomes by working in partnership with their community. A community partner may include small, medium or large business, local government, not-for-profit organisations, health organisations, sporting clubs just to name a few!

In 2009, Schools First received a total of 1,552 applications were received, representing a wide range of amazing partnerships around the country that are achieving exciting results for students.

There are two categories of awards to which schools can apply Impact Awards and Seed Funding Awards. Forty Seed Funding Awards are available at $25,000 for schools that are in the early stages of a community partnership that is yet to demonstrate improved student outcomes.

An additional sixty-eight Local Impact Awards valued at $50,000 each are allocated to schools that can demonstrate they have improved outcomes for their students through their community partnership. One winner in each state and territory will then go on to receive an additional $50,000 as their respective State Winner. One state winner will then become the National Award winner, receiving an additional $400,000.

Applications are open to all schools in Australia from June 28, 2010 to July 30, 2010 via www.schoolsfirst.edu.au

For media enquiries only, please contact:
Stuart Osbourne
Javelin Australia
0412 190 820

SOURCE: Schools First