The ACT Government has provided more than $1.5 million to Canberra families just over six weeks into the new school year through its Future of Education Equity Fund.
Since it opened in January, the Equity Fund has supported 2591 students from 1225 Canberra families.
Last year, the Fund supported 5,000 students, with more than $2.9 million disbursed.
The fund helps ACT students from eligible families access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing, such as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.
It supports financially disadvantaged families with students who are enrolled in preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school.
Payments are:
· $400 for preschool students
· $500 for primary school students
· $750 for high school and college students
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry said the Equity Fund helps Canberra students in need to access items and services that help them fully engage with their education.
"We know that many Canberrans are doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures at the moment," Minister Berry said.
"The Education Equity Fund is there for parents and carers to hopefully take a bit of that pressure off.
"We want to make sure all of our students have an equal chance to fully engage in their education."
Applications for the 2024 school year will remain open until 29 November 2024. Information about the fund, and a link to apply online, is available at www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families.
