Eleven local businesses are offering 14 scholarships, valued at $2,000 each, as part of the 2017 Port Stephens Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program.

The Program aims to provide financial assistance to residents from the Port Stephens Local Government Area who are starting university or TAFE in 2017, and applications for the Program are open 15 December 2016 until 22 January 2017.

Weathertex, Newcastle Airport, Wests Group Australia, Hunter Land, McDonald Jones Homes, Destination Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Tomago Aluminium, Macka’s Sand and Soil Supplies, Salamander Bay Recycling and Suez Raymond Terrace are the businesses that have joined with the Council-coordinated program for 2017.

Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie said he is proud to have seen the number of Scholarships increase by 40% compared with last year.

“I’m delighted that the Program has grown consistently since its introduction in 2010,” he said.

“I want to thank the local businesses that have sustained their commitment to the Program and I welcome those that have come on board for 2017.

“As a community, let’s keep supporting our students and help them achieve their career aspirations,” Mayor MacKenzie said.

All applicants for the Mayoral Academic Scholarships must reside in the Port Stephens Local Government Area.

The application form is available from the Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program page on Port Stephens Council’s website and from Council’s Administration Building, Raymond Terrace Library or Tomaree Library.