Over $3-million available for school-community partnerships

NAB Schools First encourages schools to apply – applications close soon!

MEDIA RELEASE

NAB Schools First is encouraging schools to apply for a share of over $3-million in awards funding available to outstanding school-community partnerships throughout Australia, by applying online at schoolsfirst.edu.au before applications close on Friday June 29.

NAB Schools First is a national awards program that recognises and rewards outstanding school-community partnerships. A partnership between NAB, the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), the program is based on research that proves student outcomes can be improved by schools working with local community groups, organisations and businesses.

Since 2009, NAB Schools First has awarded funding to over 300 school-community partnerships around Australia and in 2012 will award funding to 130 schools, 15 more than last year.

Head of NAB Schools First, Rebecca Sherwill, encourages all schools in a community partnership or considering one to apply.

“We know that school-community partnerships have such a positive impact, not only on student development but on the community as a whole. NAB Schools First has been privileged to reward 310 inspiring partnerships in the past three years and watch them grow and prosper even further as a result. Schools have nothing to lose and up to $200 000 to gain by applying.

“To date, 26 per cent of Australian schools have submitted applications for a NAB Schools First Award, confirming there is a need for the support and recognition the program provides,” said Ms Sherwill.

Applications for the 2012 Awards are currently open at schoolsfirst.edu.au to schools in metropolitan, regional and remote areas in Australia across the public, catholic and independent sectors. The three award types are:

• Impact Awards: 55 awards of $30 000 each. Awarded to schools in existing partnerships. All Impact Award winners have the chance to increase their winnings to $60 000 if named their respective State/Territory Impact Award winner. State/Territory Impact Award winners are then in the running for the National Impact Award, which has a total award value of $200 000.
• Seed Funding Awards: 65 awards of $15 000 each. Awarded to schools that have an idea for a school-community partnership, or are only in the very early stages of one.
• Student Awards: 10 awards of $5 000 each plus an Apple iPad for each winning student. Awarded to students who have an outstanding idea for a school-community partnership. Student Award winners are also provided with a mentor and support to help get their idea off the ground.

In 2011, NAB was recognised with an Australian Business Award for its contribution to the community through NAB Schools First. In 2011 the program was also identified as a key player in the development of the governments ‘Business School Round Table’ supporting schools working with businesses to create positive social and economic outcomes.  

NAB Schools First Award applications can only be submitted online at schoolsfirst.edu.au. Applications close 5.00pm (AEST) on Friday, 29 June 2012.

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Media enquiries: Claire McGarry, Senior Account Manager

Javelin Australia
Phone: (03) 9696 2636
Mobile: 0412 323 434
Email: cmcgarry@javelinaustralia.com.au