Media release
Applications open for Indigenous student leaders
Thursday 25 October 2007
Indigenous secondary school students are encouraged to apply for the 2008 Indigenous Students’ Leadership and Mentorship Program (ISLMP).
The program provides leadership skills, access to a mentor and funding to give 50 students a boost towards attaining their personal goals.
Employment, Education and Training Chief Executive, Margaret Banks, said the program provides a tremendous opportunity to nurture the talents and celebrate the successes of Indigenous students in the Territory.
“The program helps talented Indigenous students achieve their potential,” she said.
“It’s vital that we actively support those with the potential to succeed, who will in turn become role models for other students. One on one programs like this can help prepare our Indigenous youth in both remote and urban areas for a successful adulthood.
“Mentors offer students guidance and encouragement throughout their schooling year, and biannual camps near Litchfield National Park provide opportunities to build leadership skills,” Ms Banks said.
Each ISLMP student also has access to scholarship funds to help them to excel in their chosen field of endeavour – such as sport, music, academic, or leadership. Past students have used funding to attend cultural and sporting festivals, purchase laptops to aid their schooling, receive music tuition or pursue their interest in multimedia and design.
AFL player Paul Campbell, who is completing his NTCE this year at Centralian Senior Secondary College, has been in the program since it began three years ago and meets with his mentor weekly.
“The program is excellent, and I am so glad I had a mentor to help me to get through my schooling. Without support from my mentor and family, I would not have finished Year 12.”
More information and application forms are available from ISLMP contacts in school, the ISLMP Coordinator Trevor Read on 8901 1384 or online at www.betterschools.nt.gov.au/islmp.
Applications close on 19 November 2007.