This year, the SHCF is proud to launch the Southern Highlands Education & Apprenticeship Fund (SHEAF), an initiative designed to inspire and support young people from the Wingecarribee Shire to pursue tertiary and vocational qualifications.
Through financial grants, SHEAF will support local students undertaking university degrees, TAFE courses and apprenticeships, helping them take the next step towards their careers and fulfilling their potential.
Applications open June 1st 2026.
SHEAF is built on a simple but powerful idea: as a community, we invest in the future of our young people and their aspirations.
We are thrilled to announce our first SHEAF university scholarship, generously donated by the McLean Foundation. The Board Directors of the SHCF have individually donated the initial funds to establish the apprenticeship fund.
We believe a community pooled education fund will attract a broader range of donors and create a stronger, more strategic and longer-term investment in the youth of the Southern Highlands.
The SHEAF financial grants available in 2026 are:
In addition, each recipient will be paired with a mentor from the SHCF Board, providing ongoing guidance and support. Mentors will meet with their mentees at least once per quarter, offering valuable advice and helping students navigate the challenges of their educational journey as well as building confidence and community connection.
What can a SHEAF grant be used for?
Rather than being used for tuition fees, SHEAF grants are intended to support accommodation, travel/living expenses or establishment costs e.g. tools, equipment, IT requirements – taking some of the pressure off so that recipients can focus on their studies.
We invite young people aged 16-25 and considering further education, to apply for a SHEAF scholarship or grant. Candidates will meet the following criteria:
SHEAF applications open on June 1st and close on July 31st 2026. Keep an eye on our website and on social media for more information in the coming weeks.
Through SHEAF, we are investing not only in individual students but in the long-term health and prosperity of our region. By supporting young people to pursue university studies, vocational training and apprenticeships, we are helping build the skilled professionals and tradespeople our community needs to thrive and grow.
We believe that investing in our youth is fundamental to the future of our community. Through inspiration, guidance and practical financial support, SHEAF aims to help young people overcome financial barriers, realise their potential and contribute to a vibrant, resilient Wingecarribee Shire for generations to come.
We are actively seeking donors to grow the education fund and increase the number of scholarships and grants we have available. Help us reach our goal of giving young people access to opportunities in further education and vocational training – a donation of any size will help to grow our impact. Donate to SHEAF
To learn more about how you can support SHEAF or apply for a scholarship, please email is at office@shcf.org.au.
Together, we can help our young people thrive.
A free workshop to assist applicants will be held in June. If you would like to register your interest in applying for a SHEAF grant and attending the workshop. Please email office@shcf.org.au.
Acknowledgement of country
The Southern Highlands Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2023 Southern Highlands Community Foundation.
