UQ-Link program creates opportunity from adversity

The University of Queensland is hoping to lift the number of scholarships it offers to bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The UQ-Link program, funded by the University and topped up by contributions from the Alumni Association and the Chancellor’s Fund Appeal, has been running since 1989 and has sponsored many high-achieving students who may never have got to university without it.

Under the scheme, about 20 promising young students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who apply through QTAC and gain a university place are assisted in their first year with residential support scholarships.

It is hoped increased donations to the Chancellor’s Fund Appeal 2002 will allow scholarship numbers to be increased in coming years.

Although second-year UQ Arts student Danielle Graham from Clermont was always going to make it, the UQ-Link program helped her get here earlier than otherwise might have been.

"I`ve wanted to study political science since I was about 10-years-old and eventually I plan to pursue a political career. Without the support of UQ-Link last year, I may have had to delay my education while I saved up the money," Danielle said.

Danielle is supporting herself and her studies by working in the hospitality industry.

The UQ-Link scholarship program awards residential scholarships to students completing Year 12 who are academically able but who, for a whole array of different reasons, may need some additional financial support to get to university.

The 12-month residential placement provides these students with the support and mentoring vital to surviving the first year of university, said UQ-Link counsellor Kerry Shaw.

Student Support Services assistance is also provided with university orientation, personal and financial problems, transition issues and learning enhancement. All the students in the UQ-Link program have somehow managed to achieve despite their difficult circumstances, so it is an incredibly worthwhile program," Ms Shaw said.

"A number of these students come from rural and isolated areas and it is wonderful that we have this scheme to give them an opportunity to complete a university education."

You can support the UQ-Link program through the 2002 Chancellor’s Fund Appeal by calling the Development Office at 07 3346 3900 or through the website at www.development.uq.edu.au/donations.

Media: for more information contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 07 3365 1088