Tuesday, 8 November 2022
Aware Super has now opened entries for the 2022 Aware Super Scholarship for Emerging Leaders, giving emerging leaders in the healthcare, education, or public sector the chance to be awarded a $25,000 grant to further their professional development.
Recipients can use the Scholarship to fund a structured education program offered by a university or learning institute, a study tour or another learning endeavour or initiative that responds to the unique leadership interests of the applicant.
Aware Super’s Chief Executive Officer, Deanne Stewart, said the Scholarship underscored the importance of cultivating emerging leaders in essential industries that formed the backbone of our society.
“Many of our members belong to professions that provide essential care and support to others,” Ms Stewart said. “We’re so proud to offer this opportunity to those who give so much to communities right across Australia, to further their own education and impact in their chosen field.”
Clare Johansen, a Western Australian science teacher, was the winner of the 2021 scholarship. Ms Johansen used the grant towards a Master of Business Administration and as support towards establishing a mentoring group to encourage more women into leadership positions.
“Female mentors and role models can play a major role in helping more women step into senior positions,” Ms Johansen said. “This is one of the ways we can help overcome gender disparity in educational leadership.”
Aware Super is one of Australia’s largest industry super funds. Previously known as First State Super, the fund merged with VicSuper and WA Super in 2020.
Awarded annually since 2020, the Scholarship was set up to honour the ‘members first’ ethos of former fund Chief Executive Officer Michael Dwyer. During his tenure as CEO of First State Super, Mr Dwyer advocated tirelessly for prioritising member benefits above all other areas of business, both within the fund and across the industry as a whole.
Applications for the scholarship close on Sunday November 20, with winners to be announced in early December. For information on the 2022 scholarship application process or to see past winners visit aware.com.au/scholarships.