The University of Queensland has recently celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of Year 12 UQ Young Achievers at ceremonies in Ipswich, Toowoomba and a number of regional centres across the state.
The event marks the first step to transitioning to tertiary education for the 83 Year 12 students – many of whom are planning to pursue studies at UQ in 2013.
The Program helps raise the tertiary aspirations of deserving secondary school students who may not otherwise have considered university as an option.
Graduating UQ Young Achiever Richard Niu from Glenala State High School is the first in his family to transition to higher education and said he was very excited about the prospect of studying at UQ next year.
“My dream is to help the changing world around us and be able to play my part to benefit our society,” Mr Niu said.
“Next year, I hope to undertake study in international relations and business, which will allow me to work within a variety of sectors, including government and large organisations,” he said.
“Also, in the near future, I want to become a politician. It has always been a dream to be the voice of my community and I feel that I am getting closer to that dream each and every day.”
The students in the Program come from a wide variety of backgrounds and regions including Ipswich, the Darling Downs and South West Queensland, and most of the students will be the first in their immediate family to study at university.
Since its establishment in 2009, the UQ Young Achievers Program has welcomed over 350 students from state secondary schools across Queensland.
Mr Niu said being a UQ Young Achiever gave him an insight into university life and the confidence to pursue further studies.
“The Program allows you to actively explore the university, its different study programs and related career opportunities, and the support networks you have access to,” he said.
“I feel it has given me the opportunity to truly aspire to higher education and reach my full potential. I now feel that ‘yes – I can go to university!”
UQ also welcomed 89 Year 10 students as new Young Achievers for 2013 from 37 schools across Queensland.
Young Achievers receive $1000 annually to support them through Years 11 and 12, and those who transition to UQ receive a $6000 per year scholarship for up to four years.
They also receive practical support including career planning, advice on study options, mentoring by UQ students and on-campus experiences.
The focus of the Program is on nurturing and developing participants and building their educational ambitions by providing opportunities for social development, academic enrichment and personal growth.
The UQ Young Achievers Program is jointly funded by UQ and a number of generous donors.
Media: Kim Lyons (Office of Prospective Students, Scholarships and Student Equity; 07 3346 9746; 0434 604 921; or kim.lyons@uq.edu.au) or Caroline Bird (UQ Office of Marketing and Communications; 07 3365 1931 or c.bird1@uq.edu.au)
