Applications are open for the 2021 Holt Estate Environmental Science Scholarship, aimed at first-year and honours university students from the Shire who are studying an environmental science.
The two scholarships, worth $10,000 per annum for three years, will help cover the cost of tuition and field trips.
The 2020 first-year winner was Charlie Gluskie of Woolooware, who is now in his second year of a Bachelor of Conservation Biology at the University of Wollongong (UOW).
He aims to become a research scientist and learn more about Australian native flora.
"I have an insatiable curiosity for the world. When I'm not studying, I'm usually bushwalking, or scratching around the bush looking for flora or small creatures," Mr Gluskie said.
"The biggest drawcard to study at UOW was that the course was specifically conservation biology, because that touches on exactly what I am interested in: learning about how to protect the natural world.
"UOW is also home to the Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, and if I want to continue on the path to becoming a research scientist, having the opportunity to interact with the Centre will be vital."
Scholarship sponsor Holt Estate 1861 is a family company with a history in the Sutherland Shire going back 160 years.
The scholarship is aimed at supporting students facing challenges that might prevent them from achieving their environmental science goals.
Students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, have a family connection to the Sutherland Shire or are facing unique challenges, are encouraged to apply, however all eligible students will be considered.
Holt Estate 1861 CEO, Duncan McComb, said: "We want to make sure that people like Charlie, with his passion for the environment, have every opportunity to make a difference."
"It's great to have now been able to have that impact on four people so far, and we're looking forward to adding two more in 2021," he said.
Professor Theo Farrell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at UOW, said the University was delighted to be able to work with partners to provide scholarships opportunities to students.
"The University has strong ties to the Sutherland Shire, with many of our students and alumni from the area, and hopefully many more to come in the future," he said.
Apply at bit.ly/3dijyNd until March 21.
