The 2023 Newcastle Knights & Wests Group Minerva Scholarship will be open to women athletes 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.
The Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding Minerva Athlete who is a role model on and off the field, has a long-term career goal linked to proposed area of study and a credible plan to maintain her level of sporting performance despite the study commitment.
The successful recipient will also agree to work with a Minerva mentor over the course of the whole qualification. If the recipient does not yet have a Minerva mentor, Minerva will work with the recipient to select a suitable mentor.
The Minerva Network is delighted to announce that the Newcastle Knights and Wests Group have committed $10,000.00, making a substantial commitment to women in sport and their local community, to coincide with the commencement of the University and TAFE calendar year.
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.”
As the recipient of the 2023 Newcastle Knights & Wests Group Minerva Scholarship you will need to pass all subjects to remain eligible to receive funding, be prepared to be profiled and attend a number of events as a Scholarship Ambassador and at all times behave in accordance with both organisations’ expectations and brands.
For further information, please contact Robyn Danzey robyn.danzey@minervanetwork.com.au
The Minerva Network Scholarship Committee (MNSC) which consists of Minerva Mentors: Annette Wargon, Gabrielle Curtin, Kate Aitken and Frances Drummond, commits to reviewing all applications and personally contacting each applicant to provide feedback regardless of the outcome.
Who can apply?
All Minerva athletes, from any sport, from the Newcastle/Hunter area. The athlete may be studying at a Newcastle-based institution or be from the Newcastle/Hunter area but studying elsewhere
Can I apply if:
What type of study can I undertake?
Any Australian tertiary qualifications, including University and TAFE. Professional courses or industry qualifications may be considered. If you are unsure if your intended course is eligible, please send details to contact@minervanetwork.com.au
How long is the scholarship valid for?
12 months from December 2023
Can I defer my course?
The recipient must commence her course or program in the nearest possible academic cycle to being awarded the scholarship. Any deferral or failure to complete on the basis of attendance may put your scholarship at risk.
If your circumstances change, please get in touch with the MNSC to discuss.
How is the scholarship recipient decided?
The MNSC will review all applications and invite a shortlist of applicants to interview. The MNSC after endorsement from the Minerva Network Council and the Scholarship Sponsor will then determine the recipient/s and contact all applicants.
What are the ongoing commitments of the recipient?
The recipient of the Scholarship will have ongoing commitments including the need to pass all subjects to remain eligible to receive funding, be prepared to be profiled and attend a number of events as a Scholarship Ambassador and at all times behave in accordance with Minerva Network and the sponsor organisation’s expectations and brand, which will be provided to the recipient upon award of the scholarship.
What is the closing date for applications?
20 November 2023
What happens after I apply?
The MNSC will review all applications and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in November/December.
Once final decisions are made, all applicants will be contacted by the MNSC who will provide personal feedback.
“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.“
- Aimee Fisher, 2022 Scholarship Recipient
