Scholarship for women studying finance and business

By PETER ROWE

First Nations Economics, in partnership with First Nations Foundation, has announced a new round of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship program for 2025, following a successful inaugural year.

The scholarship program supports First Nations women pursuing higher education in finance and business.

For Desire Kilduff, an inaugural recipient of the scholarship, it has been a life changer.

“It has allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue my dreams without financial burden. I encourage all eligible First Nations women to apply,” Desire said.

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship, named in honour of trailblazing Torres Strait Islander woman and chair of First Australians Capital, Leah Armstrong, grants scholarships of up to $20,000 per year for up to three years to First Nations women pursuing full-time tertiary studies at an Australian tertiary education provider.

“Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to excel in critical fields like finance, governance, and economics is essential for community-driven solutions,” First Nations Economics Managing Director Associate Professor Rick Macourt said.

“Our inaugural year demonstrated the incredible potential of these scholars to lead transformative change that benefits not just themselves, but their entire communities. As an organisation, we are proud to invest in the self-determination of First Nations women.”

Ms Armstrong said it was important to remove barriers for First Nations women in their pursuit of higher education.

“This scholarship program is an investment in the future of our people and our communities. I encourage all eligible women to apply.”

Applications for the Leah Armstrong Scholarship are now open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women studying or intending to study at an Australian university or tertiary education institution.

The program welcomes applicants from various disciplines, including economics, finance, business, and community governance.

To learn more about the scholarship and the application process, go to www.firstnationeconomics.com

Applications close on January 31, 2025.