Alcoa supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Alcoa’s Pinjarra and Kwinana refineries have partnered with two local high schools for the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Excellence Scholarship Program.

Designed to support indigenous students from Kwinana’s main public high school Gilmore College and Pinjarra Senior High School, twenty financial scholarships totalling $32,000 are available for eligible students to assist them and their families with the costs of curricular and extra-curricular activities during their schooling year.

Pinjarra Senior High School Principal Janice Stone anticipates the scholarships will increase engagement among Aboriginal students inspiring them to excel.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Excellence Scholarships are a wonderful initiative to encourage students to set aspirational goals for academic and vocational achievement. The connection of schooling to the world of work through the program will reinforce a sense of purpose for learning, which in itself is motivating for students,” Ms Stone said.

“The financial support will help to provide access to experiences that will broaden and enhance their educational landscape and future opportunities. We are excited to partner with Alcoa to offer this unique and innovative program to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.”

As part of the program, the students will learn about the employment and educational opportunities available at Alcoa and in the broader resources sector and will be better equipped to join the workforce once they finish secondary school.

Gilmore College Principal Dean Gurr anticipates the scholarships will increase engagement among Aboriginal students.

“We hope the scholarships will encourage more students to complete their educational requirements by making their schooling needs more affordable,” Mr Gurr said.

Acting Pinjarra Refinery Manager Michael Hersov said Alcoa was proud to be a part of the locally run initiative supporting opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

“The program aims to help students through their educational journey by providing them with financial support and by preparing them for the workforce through skills-based workshops and activities,” Mr Hersov said.

“Students will also get to see first-hand how Alcoa’s largest refinery operates and network with Alcoa employees to discover the many different types of jobs, professions and pathways into the industry.”

Alcoa’s Reconciliation Action Plan outlines the company’s commitment to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through procurement opportunities, training and employment.

Image caption: Alcoa employees Aboriginal Engagement Lead Bevan Whitby, Pinjarra Community Relations Officer Stephanie Gardner, Pinjarra Community Relations Administrator Emily O’Malley with Pinjarra Senior High School Principal Janice Stone, Senior School Career Practitioner Julie Gray and the recipients of the 2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Excellence Scholarship Program.