Eligible ACT families can apply from today to access a one-off payment to help cover the costs of 2024 education expenses through the ACT Government's Future of Education Equity Fund.
The fund helps ACT students access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing, such as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition and music lessons.
In 2023, the Fund supported more than 5,000 students, with almost $3 million distributed to families.
The Education Equity Fund supports financially disadvantaged families with students from preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school.
Payments are:
· $400 for preschool students
· $500 for primary school students
· $750 for high school and college students
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry said the Equity Fund helps Canberra students in need to access items and services that help them fully engage with their education.
"Whatever their background or circumstances, we want to give children an equal chance to participate fully at school," Minister Berry said.
"The Future of Education Equity Fund can help relieve some of the financial stress experienced by families so that young people don't miss out on opportunities like school excursions, sporting activities or music lessons.
"We know that some Canberra families are doing it tough, and we want to ensure all of our students can access items and services that will help them fully engage with their education.
"The ACT Government continues to deliver on this Labor election commitment to ensure that every child in Canberra, regardless of their background, can get the most from their education."
Applications for the 2024 school year will remain open until 29 November 2024.
Information about the fund, and a link to apply online, are available at www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families.
