For foster carer Michaeyla May, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

The chance of a full scholarship for the little girl in her care at the nearby St Augustine’s Parish School in Salisbury.

The scholarship was offered, thanks to a then new partnership between the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and Catholic Education SA (CESA).

Michaeyla was one of the first to apply.

“I was on Facebook and saw DCP advertising the scholarships for 100 kids, so I applied to St Augustine’s and she got in,” Michaeyla said.

The scholarship program has grown steadily since it was established in 2020 - initially 100 were offered, increasing to 200 and then 400.

Now, numbers are uncapped – CESA will accept applications from all children and young people in care.

The generous package allows students to attend Catholic schools fee-free, and includes uniforms, textbooks, excursions and extra-curricular activities each year until the student completes their schooling.

The program has proven so successful for Michaeyla and the now seven-year-old girl, that a second girl (aged five) in her care will join the school community next year.

She expects two other younger children in her care to follow.

“It’s an opportunity you can’t normally get and it’s gone really well," Michaeyla said.

“Everything is covered and she’s getting a really good education.

“Her teachers are trauma informed and they care about her education and her wellbeing.

“She suffers from childhood trauma and certain things can trigger her, so if change is going to happen they prepare her for that.”

There are currently 460 students under the care of DCP enrolled in CESA scholarships, which are offered all year round. The scholarships are available at the state’s 101 Catholic schools, from reception through to year 12.

Catholic Education SA Executive Director Dr Neil McGoran said the scholarship program was overwhelmingly positive.

“Providing support for vulnerable people in our community is at the heart of the mission of Catholic Education,” he said.

“We know that a quality education can set a young person up for life.

“Our aim is to remove any financial barrier so that young people in care have the opportunity to be welcomed into Catholic schools and become the best version of themselves in a positive learning environment.”

St Augustine’s principal Dan Cowan said the school was proud to welcome children, families and care providers.

“We work in partnership with families and carers to ensure they feel respected, informed and engaged in the education of their children from the very beginning,” he said.

“Support also extends to student wellbeing, which is an important part of the holistic development of young people at St Augustine’s.”

And Michaeyla agrees, saying the scholarship is perfect for her little girl.

“She loves her school, she loves her teachers and she loves her friends,” she said.