Roberta Sykes CEW Scholarship
About this scholarship
In partnership with the Aurora Education Foundation, CEW offers three scholarships to rising and mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women leaders across not-for-profit, government, and corporate sectors.
Applicants are requested to select a course, delivered either face-to-face or online, offered by Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD Singapore, or Saïd Business School (University of Oxford). You must meet the eligibility requirements below, and demonstrate how your chosen course will benefit your career and your community.
Who should apply?
We are looking for senior managers or executives from any industry. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Eligibility criteria
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Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
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Provide written confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council
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Hold a senior management to executive-level role (CEO, or no more than three levels below CEO)
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Demonstrate three or more years of leadership experience, including managing any size of team or team leaders
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Have two or more years of general management experience covering P&L management, strategic planning, and people leadership
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Demonstrate ongoing connection and commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Inclusions and obligations
The maximum value of this scholarship is $21,000. Here's what's covered:
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Course fees Course fees to attend your choice of eligible short courses (see below), up to $21,000
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Travel allowance Up to $3,000 towards travel expenses, so long as the scholarship total doesn't exceed $21,000
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CEW alumni community On completion, you'll join the CEW alumni community, CEW Connect Women, and the Aurora Education Foundation alumni network
Your commitments
- Select and enrol in a course from Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD Singapore, or Saïd Business School (University of Oxford)
- Complete the course within 12 months of receiving the scholarship (i.e. by 30 November 2027)
- Write a report on your scholarship experience
- Be available to speak at CEW and Aurora Education Foundation events if requested
- Join the CEW and Aurora Education Foundation alumni communities on completion
Eligible programs
Choose a short course or executive education program that best meets your professional development goals. Any course offered by the following institutions is eligible:
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Harvard Business School (Cambridge, USA or online)
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Harvard Kennedy School (Cambridge, USA or online)
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INSEAD Business School (Singapore or online)
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Saïd Business School (Oxford, UK or online)
Scholars on the experience
"This is an amazing opportunity to increase my networks and continue to advocate for the voice of First Nations within the digital technology space."
"The opportunity to study at a prestigious institution like Harvard Kennedy School seemed like an unattainable dream for me in the past. However, witnessing the extraordinary strength and resilience of the women I work with, particularly on the Women's Business 2nd Chance Program, motivated me to take a leap of faith and give it a go."
"Being awarded the Roberta Sykes Scholarship through Chief Executive Women and the Aurora Education Foundation was both a profound honour and a deeply affirming moment in my career. It enabled me to study at the Harvard Kennedy School in Boston, where I completed Using Evidence to Assess Effectiveness - a program that sharpened my ability to critically analyse programs and systems through an evidence-based lens, while remaining grounded in values of equity, accountability and impact. Being a proud Gomeroi woman, walking into a space like Harvard carried weight, responsibility and an immense feeling of pride."
Get in touch
Questions about the scholarship, eligibility, or the application process? We're happy to help.
Email the scholarships teamWe aim to respond to all enquiries within two business days.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open now. Submit your application by 31 August 2026.
