Raising the bar, changing the game

The Young Achievers Program offers a valuable support framework, designed to enable participants to reach their tertiary goals.

Welcome to our new students

In 2021, a group of 110 highly motivated Year 10 students from 61 state secondary schools in Brisbane, Ipswich, Darling Downs, Capricorn, Wide Bay-Burnett, South West Queensland and other regions were selected to join the program. Of these, 53 percent were attending a school in a regional or remote area of Queensland, 47 percent indicated they would be the first in their family to go to university and 6 percent identified as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

In October, we formally welcomed the new Young Achievers and their families, and together celebrated the many achievements of our graduating Year 12 students. These events, which were attended by school principals and guidance officers, were an opportunity to recognise the leadership potential and the many accomplishments of the Young Achievers.

University experience

Each year, Young Achievers attend a residential camp held at a UQ residential college on the St Lucia campus. These experiences present a wonderful opportunity for students to become familiar with the university environment, establish supportive social networks and learn more about the range of post-school study options that will best complement their future career ambitions.

Mentoring

Mentoring is critical to the success of the program. During the past 12 months, 44 passionate and highly enthusiastic UQ students – many of whom were past Young Achievers themselves – generously volunteered their time to serve as role models for the students in the program. These mentors are a valuable source of information, encouragement and friendship for younger students, staying in touch with them throughout their senior school years and helping them to stay on track to achieve their goals.

The program has attracted growing interest among UQ students, who recognise it as an opportunity to give back to the UQ community while enhancing their leadership, employability and communication skills.

Access and support

Young Achievers are eligible to receive five adjustment factors to help them secure a place in their preferred UQ program. As well, the students receive transition support to assist with making the move from high school to university. Financial assistance offered throughout the program helps to ease the financial stress on families. In their senior years of schooling, Young Achievers receive an annual bursary of $1000, and students who transition to UQ on completion of Year 12 receive an annual scholarship to the value of $7000 a year, for up to four years.

Year 12 Bundaberg State High School

The Young Achievers Program has been such a valuable experience so far, I have made great friendships and learnt beneficial information. The program has made me feel more confident about going to university, as I have been given valuable insight as to what it is like, and many of the services and opportunities that are available. The mentors are amazing, they are friendly, relatable and give advice from experience. Through the Making A Difference Challenge we have the opportunity to make a positive difference in our community, practising the YAPttributes and gaining valuable skills. I am proud to be a YAPper