Future of Education Equity Fund helps with everyday essentials in the ACT

The ACT Government’s Future of Education Equity Fund has supported more than 5,000 Canberra students since it opened in January 2024. 

The Fund has provided more than $3 million in financial support to Canberra families in 2024 and was recently boosted by a further $1 million which was announced by the ACT Government in the 2024-25 Budget.

The Future of Education Equity Fund supports eligible families who are experiencing financial disadvantage to access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing, such as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.

Open to those from preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school, the following payments are available: 

• $400 for preschool students
• $500 for primary school students
• $750 for high school and college students

“There are Canberrans doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures right now, and the Equity Fund is helping take some of that pressure off families,” Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry said. 

“We know how important education is, so we want to make sure all of our students have an equal chance to fully engage with their schooling.”

The fund, she continued, is an important way to further improve equity and access – principles central to the ACT Government’s Future of Education strategy.

Applications for the 2024 school year remain open until 29 November 2024. Information about the fund, and a link to apply online, is available here.