The University of Queensland has recently celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of Year 12 国产探花 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 鈥� many of whom are planning to pursue studies at 国产探花 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 国产探花 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 国产探花 next year.
鈥淢y dream is to help the changing world around us and be able to play my part to benefit our society,鈥� Mr Niu said.
鈥淣ext 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,鈥� he said.
鈥淎lso, 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.鈥�
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 has welcomed over 350 students from state secondary schools across Queensland.
Mr Niu said being a 国产探花 Young Achiever gave him an insight into university life and the confidence to pursue further studies.
鈥淭he Program allows you to actively explore the university, its different study programs and related career opportunities, and the support networks you have access to,鈥� he said.
鈥淚 feel it has given me the opportunity to truly aspire to higher education and reach my full potential. I now feel that 鈥榶es 鈥� I can go to university!鈥�
国产探花 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 国产探花 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 国产探花 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 国产探花 Young Achievers Program is jointly funded by 国产探花 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 (国产探花 Office of Marketing and Communications; 07 3365 1931 or c.bird1@uq.edu.au)
