Location should be no barrier to achieving in your education and a helping can hand often be found when you need it most.

The Harding Miller Education Foundation which launched in 2015 offers annual scholarships to four worthy female year 9 students in the Central West, who show high academic potential and who are currently experiencing low socio-economic circumstances.

The scholarships are awarded to students at the start of Year 9, and, at the end of Year 10, the recipients are invited to reapply for another two years of support. The four years of scholarship support is valued at over $20,000.

This year one such recipient was Chloe Fanning of Girilambone, who attends Nyngan High School, a 46 kilometre journey each way from her home.

Chloe who was recently diagnosed with a form of deafness, was not fully aware of her lack of hearing until diagnostic tests took place.

“Getting the scholarship means a lot to me,” says Chloe. “It opens up a lot of pathways and opportunities for me, it gives me chances that aren’t available for everyone and will help me reach my goals.”

“Dad and I attended the Award ceremony together and it was great to meet new friends and make new contacts. I am very grateful,” said Chloe.

“We are so proud of her,” says mum Rachael Fanning. “Chloe’s educational hardship has been a very late diagnosis of deafness in her left ear.”

“Chloe recently got a hearing aid which has been a game changer for her. Despite this, she has been excelling in her studies and is hoping to study veterinary science on completion of year 12.”

“Each girl who is awarded a scholarship is assigned a sponsor and Chloe was paired with Matthew. C. Smith Racing stables, who we are so appreciative of. Chloe was very nervous to meet the team but immediately got on brilliantly with them having a mutual interest in horses,” said Mrs. Fanning.

Chloe Fanning's family have welcomed the scholarship to help her achieve her best. IMAGE SUPPLIED

The Harding Miller Education Foundation is a registered charity and was established by Kim Harding and Irene Miller and is all about the education of young Australian women and of public education.

“We give our scholars the tools, resources, experiences, and support they need to learn on a level playing field with their more financially advantaged peers,” said the pair.

Scholarship recipients receive high-speed internet, face-to-face, a new laptop, and online tutoring, online homework assistance, prepaid expense cards to cover school essentials such as textbooks and excursions, as well as study skills resources and a personal coach to guide them over the four years of the scholarship.

Harding Miller Education Foundation Chief Operations Officer Caroline Hill says the Foundation is proud to be providing vital support to help promising young girls reach their full potential.

“We are so pleased to announce the four Central West students as some of the scholarship recipients for 2024. Coonabarabran High School student Monique Bowmaker; Forbes High School students, Karla Osborne & Lacey Osborne; Nyngan High School student Chloe Fanning.”

“The Foundation’s vital support for high-potential young girls experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage has become even more critical as our country faces increased pressures with higher costs of living."

 “Our scholarship recipients are bright, talented, and engaged but don’t currently have the resources they need to make the most of their educational opportunities. The scholarship provides them with tangible items and practical things that give these young women a hand to complete their high-school education and take advantage of tertiary opportunities,” adds Caroline.

“Our scholarships offer more than just a financial boost. Our scholars are also paired with a volunteer coach who provides them with mentorship throughout the year. This support can often be the difference between continuing education or dropping out for an uncertain future.

“We encourage any other local young girls who may need support to consider applying for a Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarship this year.”

Since its launch in 2015, Harding Miller has supported more than 1,200 scholarship recipients in 350+ public Australian high schools.

Applications for scholarships for 2025 will open from 15 July to 18 September 2024.

Find out more about the Harding Miller Education Foundation here.