Eighty-eight deserving Year 11 students travelled from all over Queensland recently to attend The University of Queensland's Young Achievers residential camp in Brisbane.
Geraldine Kris, Pelina Schuh and Kodie Jia-Craige from Weipa's Western Cape College went the extra mile to join their fellow Young Achievers after making a 2,500-kilometre trip from their hometowns near the Cape York Peninsula.
This year's cohort represents 28 schools from as far north as Weipa to as far south as Woodenbong, in northern NSW.
Now in its second year, the UQ Young Achievers Program aims to build the tertiary aspirations of students who may not otherwise have considered university.
Ms Kris left her home in Weipa to participate in the two-day camp at the UQ St Lucia Campus.
"I was both excited and nervous when I was selected for the program," she said.
"This camp will show me what the University has to offer and will help me make that transition from high school to tertiary education."
As the eldest of six children, Ms Kris said she often plays a caring role at home, which has developed her interest in a nursing career.
"I love to help people and know that I can somehow make them feel better.
"With this scholarship I would like to become a qualified nurse and return back to the rural communities to help out."
UQ's Young Achievers receive $1000 annually to support them through Years 11 and 12, and those who transition to UQ will receive a scholarship of $6000 per year for up to four years.
In addition, the students will receive practical support including career planning, advice on study options and mentoring by current UQ students.
The Young Achievers Program was established in 2009 and is funded through donations to the university.
Organisations or individuals looking to support this program or other educational opportunities for deserving students should contact Margaret Fairman, Director of the Office of Prospective Students, Scholarships and Student Equity on 07 3346 7704 or m.fairman@uq.edu.au.
Media: Caroline Bird (Communications, 07 3365 1931) or Kim Lyons (Office of Prospective Students, Scholarships and Student Equity, 07 3346 9746).
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