Former Ararat College students A’Leaha Mangelsdorf and Giovanni McKinnis received scholarships from Youthrive Victoria to support their tertiary studies.

Ms Mangelsdorf was one of 18 students statewide to be awarded a $30,000 university scholarship to support her studies during the next three years, including transition and career mentoring, and leadership development opportunities. 

She was selected based on leadership capacity or potential, financial need, a desire to return to rural Victoria after graduation, community service and academic ability. 

Ms Mangelsdorf said the scholarship would help her with costs such as accommodation, transport and the purchasing of textbooks and other equipment while she studies a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at La Trobe University in Bendigo.

Mr McKinnis received a $5000 Rural Chances Scholarship, which is aimed at supporting young people to undertake trade-training qualifications and also includes mentoring, leadership and networking opportunities. 

He has commenced his second year of his cabinet-maker apprenticeship with Ararat Kitchens and Joinery, which he started as a school-based apprenticeship in 2024, and will use the money for tools, equipment and transport. 

Ararat College principal Emma Henry said she was proud of the students.

“This is a testament to the dedication and effort they had both put into their studies and chosen future career pathwaysm” she said. 

“We work closely with Youthrive Victoria to support our young people as they make the transition from secondary schooling into their desired career pathway. Youthrive Victoria aims to keep our young people in a rural setting and provides them with support not just financially, but also through their mentoring and leadership programs.”

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