Apply now for the Kay Peno Encouragement Award

The Kay Peno Encouragement Award was established in memory of long-term Hunter TAFE Foundation Board Director, Kay Peno.

Kay joined the Foundation in 2008, driven by a passion to help learners realise their potential. She brought strong educational links from her role as a Director with the NSW Department of Education (2007–2016), where she supported schools and principals across the Lake Macquarie area.

Valued at $1,000, this scholarship supports TAFE NSW students on their educational journey, with a special focus on encouraging young women to take on leadership roles in the workforce.

Applications for the Kay Peno Encouragement Award close at 5 pm (AEST) Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

To apply for the Kay Peno Encouragement Award, you must:

• identify as female
• be enrolled in a TAFE NSW course (including TVET) in the Hunter or Central Coast regions
• demonstrate commitment to your study and career goals (for example, by outlining your short-term career pathway)
• explain the challenges you are experiencing and how support will help you continue your studies
• provide a teacher reference to support your application
• not have received another award or scholarship from the Hunter TAFE Foundation or TAFE NSW in the last 12 months

For more details, check out the Kay Peno Encouragement Award Terms and Conditions [PDF, 134 KB].

Have a question about the scholarship? Email us at hunter.foundation@tafensw.edu.au.

Every year, TAFE NSW awards hundreds of scholarships and study grants.

To find the one that is right for you, visit the TAFE NSW Scholarships homepage.