Accommodating new program for young achievers

The University of Queensland’s Young Achievers Program has joined forces with Atira student accommodation to help students achieve their education dreams.

UQ Office of Domestic Student Recruitment Director Steve Forster said six fully-funded residential accommodation scholarships were created as part of a partnership signed in December 2017.

“The partnership between UQ and Atira is providing great opportunities for deserving Young Achievers students during their first year of study,” Mr Forster said.

The UQ Young Achievers Program supports the tertiary study and career aspirations of senior secondary school students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who might not otherwise have access to university.

Mr Forster said the scholarships would help students overcome some of the challenges involved in transitioning from high school to university.

Almost 920 students have been through the UQ Young Achievers Program since it was established in 2009, with about 220 currently studying at UQ.

Scholarship recipient Heidi Lithgow, who lives on a cattle property five hours west of Brisbane, said she was delighted to have help with accommodation. 

“I was absolutely stoked and very humbled to hear that I had been accepted for the grant,” Heidi said.

“It has made moving away from my family for university so much easier. My first year at university would look so different without this, and it relieves a lot of stress.

Heidi is a student in UQ’s provisional entry Doctor of Medicine Program.

“Atira is beautiful and the sense of community I have experienced since moving in further eases the transition to university,” she said.

“There are so many lovely people here from all over the world. It’s exciting to hear everyone’s unique story,” she said.

Media: UQ Young Achiever and Outreach programs manager Tillie Walsh, t.walsh4@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 9746.