Jill Hughes Bequest – Student Scholarships

Student Scholarships

 

The Jill Hughes Bequest Student Scholarships are an initiative of the Mathematical Association of Western Australia (MAWA), funded through the estate of Jill Hughes.

Jill Hughes was a committed advocate for mathematics education in Western Australia and made significant contributions to MAWA, including serving as President and being awarded life membership in 1996. Her bequest enables MAWA to continue her legacy by supporting students to access meaningful mathematics learning opportunities, broaden their experiences and pursue their interests in mathematics.

The Jill Hughes Bequest Student Scholarships provide financial assistance to eligible students who wish to participate in mathematics enrichment activities, workshops, competitions and programs at state, national and international levels. The scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers and promote equitable access to mathematics opportunities, particularly for students who may otherwise be unable to participate.

Objectives of the Student Scholarships

The Jill Hughes Bequest Student Scholarships aim to:

  • Support student participation in mathematics events, competitions, workshops and enrichment activities.
  • Reduce financial barriers to accessing high-quality mathematics learning opportunities.
  • Encourage students to develop their mathematical knowledge, confidence, problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for mathematics.
  • Promote equitable access to mathematics opportunities for students across Western Australia.Support students to participate in learning experiences at state, national and international levels.
  • Nurture mathematical curiosity and encourage students to extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Eligibility

Applications are open to MAWA Family Members who are students in Western Australia and wish to participate in eligible mathematics activities or programs.

Preference may be given to applicants who:

  • Live in regional or remote areas of Western Australia.
  • Hold, or are members of a household holding, a valid Health Care Card.
  • Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Applicants should demonstrate their interest in mathematics, explain how the proposed activity will benefit their learning and provide details of the financial assistance required.

The Student Scholarships are awarded through a competitive assessment process. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

Scholarship Levels and Funding

The Jill Hughes Bequest Student Scholarships provide financial assistance for participation in mathematics activities at three levels.

Scholarship level Award amount Available per semester
State $250 3 scholarships
National $500 2 scholarships
International $1,000 1 scholarship

A total of six scholarships are available each semester, subject to the availability of funds and the assessment of applications.

Scholarship funding is intended to help cover eligible costs associated with participation in the approved activity, including registration fees and travel expenses where applicable.

What Can Be Funded?

The Jill Hughes Bequest Student Scholarships support activities that provide meaningful mathematics learning and enrichment opportunities.

Eligible activities may include:

  • Mathematics workshops and programs – registration fees and associated travel costs to attend mathematics learning opportunities.
  • Community mathematics initiatives – participation in activities that engage students and their communities in mathematics.
  • MAWA Problem Solving Program – support for student registration costs or participation in a regional class.
  • WA Maths School – support with travel and registration costs.
  • National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS) – support with travel and registration costs.
  • Other mathematics competitions and enrichment activities – participation in suitable state, national or international mathematics opportunities.

Applications should explain the activity the student wishes to attend, the anticipated benefits and how the scholarship will help make participation possible.

Funding must be used for the approved purpose. Applicants should not assume that expenses incurred before a scholarship is awarded will be reimbursed.

Application Process and Key Dates

There are two application rounds each year for the Jill Hughes Bequest Student Scholarships.

Semester 1
  • Applications open: 1 February
  • Applications close: 15 April
  • Scholarship payments completed by: 30 June
Semester 2
  • Applications open: 15 July
  • Applications close: 30 September
  • Scholarship payments completed by: 15 December

Applications must be submitted by the relevant closing date. Late applications will not be considered in that round.

Successful applicants will be notified following the assessment process, with all scholarship payments for the relevant round completed by the applicable deadline.

Students are encouraged to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for their applications to be assessed before committing to activity-related expenses.

Selection and Assessment

Applications will be assessed through a competitive process, considering:

  • The applicant’s interest in and commitment to mathematics.
  • The educational value of the proposed activity.
  • The anticipated benefits for the student’s mathematical learning, confidence and development.
  • The financial need for assistance and the extent to which the scholarship will enable participation.
  • The applicant’s circumstances, including regional or remote location, financial disadvantage and other barriers to participation.

Preference may be given to eligible applicants from regional or remote communities, applicants from households holding a Health Care Card, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

The number of scholarships available at each level is limited. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities

Successful applicants may be required to provide confirmation of participation and evidence of how the scholarship funding was used.

Recipients may also be asked to provide a brief report outlining their experience, what they learned and how the activity benefited their mathematical learning.

Photographs or feedback may be requested for MAWA reporting and promotional purposes. Appropriate permissions must be obtained before submitting photographs featuring children or other participants.

Scholarship funding must be used for the approved activity and purpose. Any unused funds must be returned to MAWA in accordance with the scholarship conditions.

Continuing Jill Hughes’ Vision

Through the Jill Hughes Bequest Student Scholarships, MAWA honours Jill Hughes’ commitment to mathematics education and to ensuring that students across Western Australia have opportunities to develop their mathematical potential.

By helping students access enriching experiences beyond the classroom, the scholarships seek to reduce barriers, nurture mathematical curiosity and encourage the next generation of mathematical thinkers.