JIM STYNES SCHOLARSHIP FUND JIM STYNES SCHOLARSHIP FUND BACKGROUND Following his football career, Stynes focused on youth work using his profile to launch the The Jim Stynes Scholarships are named after Reach Foundation, which he co-founded in Jim Stynes in recognition of his outstanding 1994. As a result of his work with young people efforts not only as a professional Australian in Victoria he was named Victorian of the Year Football player and administrator, but also twice, in 2001 and 2003, and with the expanded as a philanthropist, charity worker and writer. profile of Reach nationally, he was awarded the During his 264-game career with Melbourne Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007. Football Club in the Australian Football League Stynes also served as president of Melbourne (AFL) between 1987 and 1998, Stynes become Football Club from 2008 and was involved the only non-Australian born VFL/AFL player in fundraising efforts which brought the club to win the prestigious Brownlow Medal, which out of debt. In 2009, he was diagnosed with he achieved in 1991. In 2003 he was inducted metastatic melanoma and continued to work into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. during his treatment for brain metastasis. Born in Dublin, Ireland, where he was a He died in March, 2012. promising Gaelic footballer, Stynes made an The purpose of the Jim Stynes Scholarships ambitious move to Australia at the age of 18 is to assist in providing both a pathway to following his side’s win in the 1984 All-Ireland employment and a pathway to nurture/develop Minor Football Championship. He debuted in skills and/or talents unique in youth (15-19 the AFL in 1987 and played a league record years) from: 244 consecutive games between 1987 and 1998. In addition to his Brownlow Medal, his ¡ Multicultural backgrounds; Australian Football achievements include ¡ Indigenous communities; and/or the Leigh Matthews Trophy (AFL Players’ ¡ Socially isolated/excluded communities. Association MVP), two-time All-Australian team selection, a night and day Grand Final Funding and four best and fairest awards at Melbourne. The Federal Government has provided a corpus He also represented Victoria in interstate of $3 million to support funding between football matches and both Australia and 18 and 37 scholarships per year (depending Ireland in the International Rules Series. on interest earned). In addition, the AFL has committed a further $150,000 per annum. The maximum of 37 scholarships recognises Stynes’ first guernsey number for Melbourne (37). As part of the funding agreement, 25 per cent of the available funds will focus on community leadership development, supported by The Reach Foundation. 3 JIM STYNES SCHOLARSHIP FUND CRITERIA Terms and conditions Leadership Development The Reach Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for any young person ¡ Scholarships will be for a one year period The Reach Leadership Development program Who is eligible for a scholarship? to have the support and self-belief that they (1 November–31 October). is an advanced two-year program for young need to fulfill their potential. Reach creates ¡ Scholarships are available to young people people the aged between 15 and 18 who have ¡ Recipients may receive up to $20,000, on safe and supportive spaces were teenagers can aged 15 and no older than 19 as at 31 participated in a Reach program and want to such terms and conditions the Jim Stynes share their stories and experiences honestly. October in the relevant year. take the next step. Scholarship panel may, in its absolute Independent research shows that Reach helps ¡ Potential recipients may be nominated discretion, deem appropriate. The objective of the program is to develop young people improve self-esteem and gain by the president/coach of their sporting young people’s wellbeing, emotional ¡ The funding a recipient receives will be a greater sense of control over their lives. club/team, an authorised officer of a not- intelligence and personal development, determined exclusively by the panel. for-profit community organisation, an so they are able to have a positive impact General Information & FAQs employee of the AFL or an AFL state body ¡ Decisions made by the panel are final and on their peers and act as future leaders in or a board member, staff member or crew no correspondence shall be entered into their community. Q: Does the scholarship fund cover a young member of The Reach Foundation. regarding any decision made by the panel. person who is doing a TAFE VET course but Potential trainees are recommended to Reach is only in year 10? What does the scholarship cover? ¡ The panel reserves the right at all times to by Reach facilitators, peers, parents, teachers, A: The scholarship will assess individual cases. end a scholarship of a recipient, where: ¡ Appropriate accredited education costs, youth and government organisations. Example: including course fees for either year 11 – the recipient fails to observe any of the These young ‘Crew’ come from widespread and 12, TAFE or undergraduate studies. specified criteria items of the scholarship; or socio-economic and geographic areas. § If a TAFE VET course is to be completed while a student is in year 10, but the Incidental study costs (text books and/or Each year up to 45 new crew are invited to ¡ – the recipient engages in conduct which in grades for this course will go towards the equipment). participate in the initial two-year leadership the reasonable opinion of the committee young person’s final year 11 and 12 score, is unbecoming of a scholarship holder or and development program. ¡ Equipment needed to support a trade/skill. the fund will consider, on application, adversely affects the standing or reputation In addition to actively participating in the funding this course. ¡ Travel allowance and costs to compete in of the scholarship fund. fortnightly Crew Development Program, competitions and/or relevant leadership/ Q: Can scholarship funds be used for things ¡ The funds allocated must be used to assist conducted at The Dreams Factory in education experiences. Collingwood, participants are expected to like bicycles, new shoes and other purchases the recipient directly. not directly related to study? ¡ Additional assistance in coaching/talent volunteer their time to support the delivery A: In some instances these purchases are fine. development/school or career support ¡ All nominees must give their permission of Reach programs in schools and communities Examples of approved purchases: (e.g. tuition or mentoring). to be nominated and nominations must through the Melbourne metropolitan area be received by early September. as Crew. § young person intends to use the bicycle What doesn’t the scholarship cover? ¡ All nominees should be prepared to Reach Crew are the lifeblood of the Reach to travel to and from school. ¡ Fees covered by HECS/HELP. undertake any promotional role deemed model, which is based on peer-led workshops § young person requires running shoes Note: TAFE course fees that are appropriate by the AFL and/or The Reach and the guiding principle of “young people to participate in a sporting activity. designed to go on to an undergraduate Foundation. inspiring young people”. degree are covered by FEE HELP. Q: What does the scholarship cover? ¡ All nominees should be aware that details Trainees are offered the opportunity to A: We are very flexible, as long as it is of their scholarships will be made available continue their training beyond their second educationally related or directly assisting to the Federal Government in a quarterly year to secure accreditation as Reach education, sporting or leadership outcomes report. facilitators. This can lead to paid employment such as: with Reach. Many utilise the skills and § Text books. experience gained at Reach to continue their studies, find employment and even § School fees (not funded by government to establish their own businesses. deferred payment programs). We cater for year 10, 11 and 12. Any recognised job training education may also be accepted. 4 5 JIM STYNES SCHOLARSHIP FUND SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS JIM STYNES SCHOLARSHIP PANEL Applicant requirements 3. AFL holds money and makes payments to New applicants to provide the school/other directly, re-imburses young Applicants informed of application The Jim Stynes Scholarship panel will meet not ¡ following documents: person for any purchase made over $500. closing date. more than two (2) weeks after the closing date (For purchases under $500, young person for applications. A quorum is one person from ¡ Signed terms and conditions form ¡ Local sporting clubs and community is expected to manage their own finances). the four representative bodies (below) agencies are notified by email of ¡ Supporting documentation and receipts 4. AFL purchases goods on behalf of the application closing date and website The main responsibilities of the panel will be: Record keeping young person. e.g. laptop computer address. 1. administer the Fund in accordance with CONFIDENTIAL student files created Purchase of goods: ¡ Notification is a minimum of one-month the funding agreement between the Files include: prior to closing date. Commonwealth and the AFL (see attached); ¡ AFL to seek three quotes for goods. ¡ All information regarding the scholar AFL to purchase and arrange delivery ¡ Nominations by sporting clubs 2. assess scholarship nominations; and ¡ kept in these files. and community agencies to be of goods to scholarship recipient’s home. 3. select the scholarship recipients. submitted online. ¡ All records of purchase (purchase orders, If a scholarship student drops out or 4. ensure the reporting requirements with receipts) kept in these files. discontinues their study: ¡ Scholarship applications received. the Federal Government are met. Management of funds For new applicants: ¡ No further scholarship funds shall be made Representation: available to them, and any allocated funds Individual applicant interviews – The corpus contributed by the Federal will be returned to the general pool for in person (if possible) or by phone.