The Housing NSW Youth Scholarship Program aims to assist eligible young people living in social housing to complete the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or TAFE equivalent by providing a one-off payment of $2,000 to be spent on educational related items. The Housing NSW Youth Scholarship Program is delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and Training, local NSW high schools and TAFE colleges.

One hundred and seventy scholarships of $2,000 each will be provided for the 2010 academic year. To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, students must be:

• studying in Year 11 or 12 at a NSW high school or TAFE college for the HSC or TAFE equivalent for the year that the scholarship is awarded
• 24 years or under on 1 December for the year the scholarship is awarded
• endorsed by a NSW high school or TAFE college as being likely to have a good attendance record
• an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• earning less than the NSW public housing threshold (if earning an income).

The scholarship funds can be used to purchase items or services which help the student complete the HSC or TAFE equivalent. All items purchased must relate to the subjects the student is studying and be included in an agreed scholarship plan.

Items or services which can be purchased with the scholarship include:

• computer software and printer
• books, study aids and stationery
• tuition
• specialist equipment and course costs
• other support to remain in education such as child care costs and transport.

The aim of the Housing NSW Youth Scholarship Program is to assist eligible young people living in social housing to complete the HSC or TAFE equivalent.