LGBTQIA+ adults across NSW who are seeking to return to study are encouraged to apply for one of three life-changing scholarships, with applications now open for the 2025 Education Fund from the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association.
The program, which has run for several years, supports LGBTQIA+ people aged 30 and over who are pursuing accredited education or training—from apprenticeships and TAFE courses to university degrees and professional qualifications. It aims to remove barriers to learning faced by many in the community due to discrimination, a lack of family support, or other life circumstances.
The SGLBA, which will soon change its name to the Pride Business Association NSW, said the initiative is about giving people the tools they need to change the trajectory of their lives through education by offering financial grants.
Three scholarships are available in 2025:
- The Volmac Group Scholarship – $2500
- The Rise Scholarship – $5000
- The Michael Glynn Scholarship – $10,000
Applications opened on May 1 and close on June 30. More information is available at sglba.org.au.
“These scholarships reflect our ongoing commitment to meaningful inclusion and economic empowerment,” said SGLBA President Jarrod Lomas. “Supporting adults returning to study strengthens our whole community by investing in the leadership, skills, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ people.”
Chair of the Education Fund, Chris Colwell, added: “We know that education can be a powerful tool for empowerment and change. These scholarships are about making sure LGBTQIA+ people—especially those who may not have had access to education earlier in life—get the support they need to take that next step.”
The program has already helped recipients pursue impactful careers and studies. In 2024, the Education Fund awarded $17,500 across three scholarships to individuals who spoke about the transformative potential of the financial support.
Adam Knobel, recipient of the $10,000 Michael Glynn Scholarship in 2024, used the funds to undertake a Master of Business Administration (Social Impact) at UNSW.
"This scholarship gives me the opportunity to complete my education while continuing my work with non-profits that seek to transform lives and drive social change,” Knobel said at the time. "It is a great reminder of the power of community."
Renee Murray and Sinead Lewis, who both pursued Diplomas of Counselling, were awarded the Rise Scholarship and the Volmac Group Scholarship respectively.
Murray said the scholarship would help give back to LGBTQ+ youth, creating "a safe space that I never had".
Lewis said the scholarship helped validate the decision to return to study and boosted confidence "to give back to my community in meaningful ways".
The scholarships are funded through community donations and corporate sponsorships, with the Volmac Group continuing to support the initiative again in 2025.
The upcoming rebrand of the SGLBA to the Pride Business Association NSW, which was unanimously voted on by members in late 2024, will take effect this month.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: [email protected]
