The inaugural Scenic World Scholarship in Natural Science and Tourism Management at Western Sydney University is now open for application.
The opportunity is the result of a new partnership between Scenic World and Western Sydney University to assist ambitious Blue Mountains residents from disadvantaged backgrounds to follow their dream of studying a bachelor’s degree in tourism or environmental science.
Awarded annually, the whole-of-degree scholarship will support local students to cover study expenses with $7500 of funding for each year of their degree, valued at up to $30,000 per student.
Continuing over four years, the Scenic World Scholarship Fund will ultimately support four local students to complete their studies at the university.
Scenic World’s Managing Director Anthea Hammon said the program was an important part of Scenic World Shared program which is committed to empowering the local Blue Mountains community through key partnerships.
“We are very proud to launch this scholarship, to share the benefits of tourism to limit disadvantage and support the next generation of environmental scientists and tourism specialists who live and work in our own backyard.”
Professor Kevin Dunn, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Psychology, said the university is delighted to partner with one of Greater Western Sydney’s most iconic tourist destinations, and shares Scenic World’s commitment for igniting people’s passion for local tourism.
“We are proud that our degree, the Bachelor of Tourism Management, contributes to the one of the core economies in the region through workforce training and engaged research,” said Professor Dunn.
“Our partnership with Scenic World aligns clearly with our broader ambitions of providing a degree that ensures graduates are both skilled and informed about the broader tourism issues, challenges and debates, and are also familiar with the local economy in which many of them will live and work.
“We thank Scenic World for its generous scholarship initiative, which will undoubtedly benefit local students and help them continue their studies and realise their potential.”
Scenic World will also offer industry work placement opportunities where relevant to selected candidates to support their career development in tourism or environmental science.
For more information and to apply for the scholarship, visit the WSU website, applications close March 31, 2018.