The students are from the Preferred Area Development area and Community Mine Continuation Agreement Trust region areas of Western Province.
The PAD covers the Ok Tedi mine-impacted villages and also the Telefomin District of Sandaun Province while the Trust covers eight regions – Nupmo, Tutuwe, Wai Tri, Middle Fly, Suki-Fly Gogo, Manawete, Dudi, and Kiwaba.
The scholarship program is funded by the CMCA Trusts and the PAD under Ok Tedi Mining Limited at a cost of about K2.69million and includes both new and continuing students.