Time is running out for Australia’s public schools to apply for funding of at least $250,000 to build or upgrade vital infrastructure as Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund (SUF) is set to expire on 29 February.
The grants, which total $215.8m in funding, enable the neediest public schools to cover large scale capital works such as new classrooms, buildings refurbishments and playgrounds. The Fund builds on the government’s $53.6m in School Upgrade Funding, announced earlier this year.
Schools will be prioritised based on factors such as the number enrolled students who come from a low-socioeconomic background, First Nations Students, students with disability, and schools which haven’t received significant capital funding in the last two years.
“Applications are closing soon for public schools to apply for grants starting at $250,000 to build or upgrade infrastructure,” Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare said in a statement.
“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on.”
Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm said schools “deserve great infrastructure and quality equipment to help students achieve their best – no matter where they live, or what their background may be.”
“To be a smart and innovative nation, we need to ensure that all Australians have the same opportunities and access to a supportive learning environment,” he said. “This is a great outcome and I’m thrilled that we can deliver this funding to much-needed projects at schools across Australia.”
The original version of this story appeared as a media release from the office of the Federal Education Minister.