Our Stories

CHANCES is much more than a financial grant. To me, it is a manifestation of belief. It's the invaluable 'I believe in you and what you're doing'. Many of us don't have that growing up. So, knowing that CHANCES believed in me and my hard work was one of the most change-inspiring and growth-promoting factors in my upbringing.

Many students at Kew High School have been the fortunate beneficiaries of Chances Scholarships. The scholarships have been granted for a range of talents and passions including academic ability, sporting prowess and musical capacity. The young people supported through the program have been enabled to focus on their school work and particular flair unencumbered by the stress and embarrassment of financial barriers. For many students we have seen a visible increase in motivation, self-esteem and confidence and a renewed belief that there is a bright future ahead of them. Every recipient has demonstrated genuine gratitude for their scholarship and really endeavored to prove themselves worthy of the scholarship. Some students who have been at risk of disengaging from school have developed a sense of purpose and feeling of empowerment which was previously absent. Chances Scholarships have made an enormous difference to the lives of all our recipients.

“CHANCES enabled me to do things that matter during high school, Helen who manages CHANCES in particular went out of her way and after assessing my application she nominated me for Boroondara Young Citizen of the Year - an award I was surprised and humbled to be given. Shortly after I was nominated to be on the board of a community publicly listed company. I do think CHANCES and the people behind the Foundation had a large part to play in helping me unleash my talents and focus on things that mattered during a time where I had very little support and my family lived interstate.It was also the first time I truly understood what it means to be supported in a community. Nowadays I manage Deakin University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program SPARK Deakin, where I have the opportunity to support young entrepreneurs.”

I am writing in support of the Foundation Boroondara CHANCES Scholarship Program in light of the significant and substantial support is has provided for our students over many years. In the past eight years alone, nearly 30 Balwyn High School students have been assisted with the purchase of text books, school and sport uniforms, transport, music tuition, computer leases, calculators and the provision of funds for camps and excursions at school or during their tertiary education. This generous support has not only enhanced academic outcomes for students, it has assisted with their holistic formation, providing the opportunity for them to engage in extra-curricular activities and develop skills and talents in a range of social settings. Not least of all, is the positive impact such support has on the self-esteem and general wellbeing of students. Financial aid relieves them of the stigma that poverty imposes when it means they stand out at school for all the wrong reasons, are excluded from activities or denied the learning benefits others can afford. I have observed the positive flow on effect to whole families when students have been supported in such a way that their full potential can be realised. The Balwyn High School student scholarship beneficiaries, the Student Services Team and the Principal Team are deeply grateful for the Foundation Boroondara CHANCES Program’s involvement with us. This vital program, provides scholarships with flexible options that support each young person’s individual needs. It has ensured the completion of high school studies for some and the encouragement to continue onto tertiary education for others. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Foundation Boroondara CHANCES program as it supports our efforts to facilitate the best possible educational outcomes for all our students.

Dear Boroondara Cares Foundation Chances committee. I am writing to thank you for the financial support you have provide students with the scholarships, at Auburn High School with your scholarship over the past 2 years. We have seen the benefit that the scholarship money has provided to our disadvantaged students. For most students there has been a lift in self -esteem as they can blend in with the other students by being able to afford to buy the uniform items and textbooks they need. Some of the recipients have achieved academic excellence in their studies and are holding student House Captain Positions in our school. We have removed the financial barrier for these students and their families, which is a major impediment in achieving educational access and success in their families. It has been fabulous being able to see these students in senior years excited about their learning and aspiring to go to tertiary education. This would not have been possible without this financial assistance. As we know the only way to help the financially and socially disadvantaged students shift out of the poverty cycle, is through education. I am very grateful for the support you have provided with the scholarships, which allows these students to be able to remain in the education system and support their learning.