14 regional students will receive much needed financial support to undertake STEM related study in 2021, thanks to the ongoing partnership between Audi Foundation and Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF). Each scholarship is worth $5,000.

This year’s recipients are: Heaven Celotto, Taneya Coote, Kelsie Mitchell, Meagan Dampney, Amber Turnbull, Cody Logan, Nathan Holmes, Shawn McKeowen, Racheal Perrott, Axel Nurdin, Alisha Cooper, Eleesa Rosetta, Karlee Symonds, and William Drage.

From Broken Hill to Great Lakes and the Shoalhaven in NSW and CEF’s first local foundation in Victoria, these regional areas have faced one challenge after another – drought, bushfires, COVID and recent flooding. This financial assistance for STEM students will ease the burden for families and ensure students can make the most of their post-school education opportunities.

“After the devastation our regional communities have experienced, we are thrilled to have Audi Foundation on board once again to help us assist our incredible, resilient youth. These young people are shining and inspiring examples of the strong regional communities they represent. We look forward to seeing the wonderful things they will achieve,” says CEF Chief Executive Officer Juliet Petersen.

When asked why she should be an Audi Foundation Scholarship recipient for 2021, Meagan Dampney, from the Namoi region said: “I highly value having a strong community and I have always been involved in groups and clubs from a young age. My current aspiration after completing my degree is to apply as an engineer for a position in the Royal Australian Air Force. Being able to serve my country means I will be able to protect and give back to the place I call home,” Dampney said.

Dampney is now in her first year of a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of New South Wales.

Other areas of study for the recipients include mathematics and physics, veterinary science, mechatronics and medicine. The calibre and variety of students supported illustrates the breadth of support offered by CEF, with the generosity of the Audi Foundation.

Audi Australia Managing Director, Paul Sansom, shared his delight that the foundation was able to support CEF in helping STEM students in rural and regional communities have greater access to tertiary education.

“The Audi Foundation is committed to supporting organisations and charities that work to improve educational outcomes of students facing barriers to learning. Our partnership with CEF strongly aligns with this vision and we are delighted to be able to support students with the opportunity to create brighter futures. 

“We’re excited to work with CEF and be a part of these talented young people’s education stories and look forward to seeing these scholars become the future scientists, teachers, scholars, engineers and artists that will drive that progress across Australia and around the world,” Sansom said.