Scholarship to help Newton Moore Senior High School student achieve academic best

An aspiring young aeronautical engineer at Newton Moore Senior High School has been recognised for her academic potential with a prestigious scholarship to assist her studies in the field.

Year 9 student Jessica Hunter is one of 19 promising West Australian females awarded the Harding Miller scholarship who will receive more than $20,000 of financial aid for the next four years of their studies.

The scholarships aim to help young girls who are passionate about their studies but who may lack opportunities to achieve their academic potential and dreams.

It received more than 700 applicants from WA.

Jessica said the funding, which will go towards equipment, computers, internet connections, textbooks, tutoring and coaching, would help her achieve her academic goals.

“Living in regional WA, I feel I have not been able to access as many programs as if I was living in the Perth metro area,” she said.

“My mother’s medical conditions have limited her ability to drive more than 30 minutes at a time, meaning travelling to Perth for opportunities is restricted.

“This is why it was very important to me to be accepted into the Newton Moore engineering program. I believe it will help me to achieve my future goal of working in the aerospace industry.”

She hopes to study for a a Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical) at ECU Joondalup.

Harding Miller Foundation executive director Cara Varian said the foundation aimed to remove barriers stopping young woman achieving their educational ambitions.

“Our scholarship recipients have high academic potential — they are talented and dedicated, but they simply do not currently have access to the resources that they need to make the most of their education opportunities,” she said.

“Girls are more likely to complete high school and go on to pursue further education when they are supported with equipment, money for resources, tutoring and coaching, and that’s the type of support we are providing to Jessica.”