Clarence Valley students from disadvantaged or Indigenous backgrounds have until February 23 to apply for a $1000 grant to help with their education expenses including books, computers and course costs, according to Clarence Nationals MP, Chris Gulaptis. “We live in the most beautiful part of New South Wales but not the wealthiest, so this could be a game changer for many local families,” Mr Gulaptis said. “In even better news the NSW Government has doubled the number of scholarships available this year, so anyone who meets the criteria is in with a real shot.” Students are eligible to apply if they are: • Living in social housing, on the NSW Housing Register, receiving private rental assistance or living in crisis or supported accommodation or out-of-home care. •Studying in Year 10, 11 or 12 at a NSW high school or TAFE, undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship or studying a Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject at school in 2018. Scholarship recipients can get financial support for over seven years – from Year 10 until the completion of tertiary education. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 23 February 2018. To apply visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/education.