Continuing success at UQ

Support during university

The Young Achievers Program continues to partner with UQ Student Services to help support students in their transition to university. Hosting catch-ups and events for Young Achievers at UQ ensures that students receive access to support programs and activities on offer through the University. 

Accommodation partners

In partnership with donors, UQ residential colleges and local student providers, the program has continued to support students to overcome some of the challenges involved in transitioning from high school to university. In 2021, 31 Young Achievers students needing to relocate benefitted from accommodation grants and scholarships.

Bowness Family Foundation scholarships

Four Young Achievers, Jettison Bell (Rochedale State High School), Braydan Bielefeld (Bundaberg North State High School), Juliana Evangelista (Kingaroy State High School) and Amy Heath (Roma State College), were selected for the prestigious Bowness Family Foundation award based on their outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated service leadership and commitment to upholding the values of the program.

Fourth-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) student

I was always sure that I wanted to go to Uni while I was completing my senior years of school, however, the YAP personally raised my aspirations in attending UQ. Not only were we able to see the campus/residential colleges and meet current Uni students (mentors), the scholarship (at school and UQ), but also reduced my financial burden on my parents who were supporting me at the time. Knowing that I had financial support from the YAP also gave me time to relax into Uni and get to know the routine/lifestyle without having to work straight away to cover any other life costs.

I gained so much personal confidence from being in the YAP (as a mentee and mentor). It was so unbelievably helpful to meet and mingle with so many like-minded students and with ‘real-life’ mentors who used to be in our shoes not too long ago. The way that the residential camps connected people on such a creative, relaxed and fun manor really made the transition from school to Uni so much easier and less scary coming from a small town to the big city. I could always look back at things that I learnt from YAP and the experiences that I had if I ever needed too and felt way more confident in my capacity to be a Uni student. For example through knowing about timetables and different Uni classes.

I think there is always some doubt when starting a new journey, and especially for me as I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to study, but through YAP I definitely felt prepared in my capacity as a Uni student. Particularly how Uni works, what it looks like, where I could stay and what I might need to do. 

You can always achieve anything that you put your mind too! I received so much support from my peers and mentors in the YAP and it truly was the confidence boost and encouragement I needed to make it through year 12 especially and start at Uni.