Our Work

Together we can change lives

Life-changing scholarships

Our mission is to create a positive social impact by lifting educational outcomes of Australian girls with high academic potential who are experiencing disadvantage.

The Harding Miller Education Foundation is an Australian charity that supports high potential but socio-economically disadvantaged girls across Australia through a $20,000 scholarship over four years of high school. Our program gives these girls the tools and resources they need to not only complete high school but to reach their potential and build direct pathways to tertiary education. Since 2016, we have awarded over 800 scholarships to girls from more than 350 schools in every state and territory of Australia.

Kawana Crowe was awarded a scholarship in 2016 and graduated from high school in 2019. You can hear Kawana talk about her experience here or watch as Kawana and her fellow scholars attend the HMEF awards night at Sydney Town Hall in 2019!

Most of our scholars are bright, hard-working girls from families in low socio-economic circumstances. Many of them struggle to put food on the table, let alone purchase a new computer for their daughter’s education. For some, access to technology is limited either because they cannot afford a computer or because they need to share a device with other family members.

By providing these girls with their own computers, educational tools and resources, they can join their peers who are more socioeconomically advantaged on a more level playing field. The impact of COVID-19 has brought to light the significant technology gaps in our education system, and the need to support disadvantaged students is greater than ever.

What's included in a full 4-year HMEF scholarship?

The scholarship includes;

•  A high-quality laptop in the first year
•  Remote  IT support
•  High speed internet
•  $2500 worth of online of face to face tutoring
•  Online homework help such as uniforms, textbooks, and school excursions
•  Prepaid expense cards for essential school needs 

Each scholar is allocated a personal coach who supports and guides them through the four years of the program. We have over 80 volunteer coaches working with us. Many have experience in the education sector and all of them are committed to helping the girls excel.

We also provide an enrichment program to introduce scholars to a range of career experiences and broaden their horizons about possible tertiary education pathways. Some of our partners are Google, NAB, 3M, Mastercard, EY, Baker McKenzie, USYD, UNSW, and the University of New England, to name a few. If you are interested in becoming an Enrichment Partner, contact us here.

"We know that investing in women builds stronger families, communities and economies."