Generous Scholarship for young adults available: A generous scholarship for young adults in the Goulburn Murray irrigation region is currently open for applications. The Sampson Scholarship will provide support for at least two people between the ages of 18 and 35 to undertake a study project during 2014. Successful applicants will further their skill development in areas which could include environment, agriculture, irrigation, community development and leadership, with the scholarship's support.
Generous Scholarship for young adults available: A generous scholarship for young adults in the Goulburn Murray irrigation region is currently open for applications. The Sampson Scholarship will provide support for at least two people between the ages of 18 and 35 to undertake a study project during 2014. Successful applicants will further their skill development in areas which could include environment, agriculture, irrigation, community development and leadership, with the scholarship's support.
Opportunity for self development: The annual scholarship provides an opportunity for young adults to get significant financial support to undertake a self-development activity which also benefits the region. It could entail formal study, or involve a learning and development project like a study tour. Applicants are required to put together a proposal which will then be considered by a selection panel.
"During 2013 the Trust supported two excellent applicants who proposed very good projects. The upcoming round is a great opportunity for people to get support to do a study project during 2014 which will provide both self-development and regional benefits" said Trustee Garry Smith.
Two excellent candidates were awarded the scholarship award in 2012 for the 2013 year:
Evan Ryan from near Yarrawonga Victoria works in the family cropping business and travelled to the USA to study cropping and farm business. Leon Sergeant works with Goulburn Valley Water and also did a study tour on project management within the water industry.
Applications encouraged: Mr Smith emphasized that applications for the 2013-14 round are encouraged from community members without formal study experience, in keeping with Ken's broad support for community development. "Post-secondary qualifications are not essential, and applications from people undertaking grass roots community work are encouraged." Help is available to develop an application.
Objective of the scholarship: Mr Smith chairs the Sampson Leadership Trust which was set up in 2010 to administer funds for the scholarship. The Trust's objective is to support development of regional people, consistent with the ideals of the late Ken Sampson. Mr Sampson worked in the irrigation region and died unexpectedly in late 2009. A group of Ken's friends sought and gained significant generous donations to establish the fund. "Ken directly and indirectly supported people's development in their work and community, and the Trust scholarship continues that support in an innovative way. Ken had a particular focus on supporting and mentoring young people in both their work and community endeavours."
Ken Sampson was posthumously awarded the biennial MacLean-Iedema Award in June 2010 in recognition of a lifetime of leadership contribution to the irrigation industry and this region by Irrigation Australia.
12 October Deadline: Applications are open until 12 October 2013, and further information is available from the Trust's web-page www.sampsonleadershiptrust.com.au Applicants can propose development projects which will benefit both the region and themselves up to a budget of $8000 over a one year period.
The objective of the Sampson Leadership Trust is to provide scholarships to individuals to enable them to undertake or further their study, research and learning in the areas of environment, agriculture, irrigation, community development or leadership within the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.
Media release prepared by Bruce Cumming, Trustee, Sampson Leadership Trust:
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www.sampsonleadershiptrust.com.au
Further media information bruce.cumming1@bigpond.com
Phone 0419 540 552,