Paramount ANZ and The Pinnacle Foundation, an Australian LGBTQIA+ education charity, have partnered to create a new scholarship for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to study media, providing them with a pathway into the industry where diverse voices are welcomed.

The 'Gold Partnership' marks five years of collaboration between Paramount and The Pinnacle Foundation, with multi-year funding set aside for the 'Paramount Scholarship'.

The Pinnacle Foundation's scholarship and mentoring program provides educational opportunities to LGBTQIA+ youth facing adversity due to their identity. Recipients of the Paramount Scholarship will be matched with mentors who share similar experiences and professional interests. Applications for the 2025 Paramount Scholarship are open until August 31.

"The Paramount Scholarship underscores our commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive society. By extending our support to The Pinnacle Foundation's scholarship program, we aim to amplify LGBTQIA+ representation in the media landscape. This partnership not only supports educational aspirations but also celebrates the unique narratives of our scholars," said SVP Content & Programming and PROUD Employee Resource Group Co-Chair at Paramount ANZ, Daniel Monaghan.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Pinnacle Foundation, Andrew Staite, said: "We are delighted to welcome Paramount ANZ as a gold partner and are grateful for their continued support of The Pinnacle Foundation program. Their commitment to funding the Paramount Scholarship reflects a shared vision of empowering LGBTQIA+ Australians to achieve their full potential. This partnership not only enhances educational outcomes but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth."

The announcement is supported by 10 News First Presenter and The Pinnacle Foundation spokesperson Narelda Jacobs, and Paramount ANZ's PROUD Employee Resource Group.