A Lotterywest grant announced this week will increase access to education for the Peel region’s disadvantaged and at-risk students.
Youth Minister Peter Tinley and Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke visited Fairbridge College on Tuesday to present a $145,000 grant, which will be used to provide added transport options for students.
The education facility is tailored to the academic and social-emotional needs of teenagers aged 12-18.
The grant will fund bus services to transport up to 132 students to the college.
Now in its third year of operation, Fairbridge College has 85 students who are picked up and dropped off from a number of designated points between Fairbridge and Mandurah.
By December, at least 15 students will have completed a Certificate I in Leadership as well as a trade certificate.
Other students are completing school traineeships in hospitality and work experience in carpentry as they work towards securing full-time employment.
Mr Tinley said he was pleased to be able to fund the initiative.
“Fairbridge WA offers an alternative pathway to education and training, and the opportunity for its students to develop personally and socially,” he said.
“The state government is currently developing policy to support young Western Australians through a broader whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach.
“The value of education cannot be underestimated, and appropriate interventions at the right point in a young person’s school life can greatly increase their chances of completing secondary education.”
Ms Clarke said the state government had approved 21 Lotterywest grants, totalling $4,392,996, to Fairbridge over the years.
“Fairbridge WA provides support to its students to help them achieve success that may not always be possible in mainstream education,” she said.
“This grant is a fantastic boost that will help further support our disadvantaged at-risk youth.”
For more information visit the Fairbridge College website.
