Success at School
The Young Achievers Program aims to support and inspire students during their senior years.
Valuable family support
Information evenings held throughout 2021 were greatly valued as an opportunity for families to seek more specific advice about university pathways, application processes, accommodation options and support services at UQ.
The popularity of UQ Open Day continued, with more than 300 people attending the online event in 2021. Open Day is the biggest annual event on UQ’s calendar and is often the first time many Young Achiever families have had an opportunity to visit a university campus, whether virtually or in person.
WRIT1999 – Effective Thinking and Writing
In 2021, the Young Achievers Program continued to offer a bursary to attend WRIT1999, a summer intensive course offered at UQ St Lucia to students commencing Year 12. The course aims to help students who demonstrate high academic achievement to improve their critical thinking and writing skills. Young Achievers were invited to participate from selected schools located close to the St Lucia campus, with 14 students taking up the opportunity.
On-campus experiences
In January, 230 Young Achievers took part in the annual residential experience at the St Lucia campus. The students were highly motivated and eager to expand their knowledge, demonstrating a wholehearted commitment to the program.
Creating community spirit
The Young Achievers enthusiastically embraced the community-service ethos of the program, volunteering their time to undertake an impressive list of ‘Making a Difference’ (MAD) Challenges. The students demonstrated a great sense of civic responsibility by supporting projects in important areas such as the environment, community and youth development, education, animal welfare, health, sport and the arts.
Graduated from a Bachelor of Business Management (Marketing) at The University of Queensland
I grew up in a country town where university study was not very heard of. My mum was forced to leave school after Year 10 to help her family on their farm. She had always told me that she wanted me to have a better life than she did and wanted me to grow, learn and make something of myself. This stuck with me, and in turn, I was very ambitious, putting in 100% as I wanted to make my mum proud. I wanted to go to university, but many barriers stood in my way. I applied for YAP in year 10, hoping it could help me overcome my barriers. When I was accepted, I remember screaming with joy as my Mum and I opened the letter together. The program helped me through school, during university and has continued to support me after graduation as I now have a position on the YAP team. I couldn’t be more honoured to be a part of the team and make an impact on students’ life, as it did mine. I am excited to provide support and even add my personal touch to the program using my first-hand experience as a mentee.
