THREE Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School students have been given an opportunity to further their studies after they were presented with an indigenous scholarship on Friday.
The scholarships hope to enhance the learning of Aboriginal people in the South West region and bridge the gap between indigenous and non indigenous people.
Meeting the students at the school, Education minister Peter Collier wished them well in their future endeavours.
"We want to bridge the gap between the quality of life for aboriginal people in health and more importantly education," Mr Collier said.
"These scholarships are designed to encourage and enhance the learning of the indigenous people so they can thrive in the community."
The morning was opened with a welcome to country by a representative of the Goomburrup Aboriginal Corporation, followed by a spirit dance.
Minister Simon Jacob, Chair of the Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School Board of Governors and Federal Member for Forrest, Nola Marino also attended the presentation.
Head of school Michael Giles said the school was founded in 1972 and has remained an outstanding centre for learning.
"By giving out these scholarships we are working towards creating a world class leading education program for aboriginal students in the South West," he said.
"These scholarships are given out with high expectations for the students to succeed beyond their school education."
Scholarship recipient Maddison Bedford said, this scholarship will give her the confidence to step forward into the world and go beyond her comfort zone.
Ms Bedford is currently in year 10 and she has been accepted into a science program at UWA and said this scholarship has given her access to a range of universities in Perth.
"I would like to do either environmental or vet science, I haven't decided yet," she said.
The other scholarships were presented to year eight student Brodie Ely and year eleven student Brodie McCreanor who also boards at the school.