UC helps scholarship students succeed

Vanessa Lam

16 April 2015: The University of Canberra recently hosted a graduation ceremony for 50 college students from across the ACT that completed The Smith Family's Learning for Life program.

The program is a partnership between The Smith Family and the University of Canberra, which aims to improve access to and participation in university education for disadvantaged children from surrounding areas through the provision of scholarships.

The Learning for Life program supports students and their families throughout their education by helping children and young people develop vital life skills and stay engaged in their education.

Students taking part in the program came from schools including Lake Tuggeranong College, UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra, Gungahlin College, Erindale College, Narrabundah College, Dickson College, Canberra College and St Clare's College.

Robin Jarvis from The Smith Family said support is provided in three main ways.

"Families receive financial assistance to help with education costs, children are partnered with a Learning for Life Program Coordinator who links them and their families to local learning opportunities, and our workers connect students with our learning programs and mentoring so they can get more out of their education."

A ceremony, organised by the University's student engagement team was held at the Ann Harding Centre on 18 February. Ten students attended and were presented with their certificates by dean of students Michele Fleming.

"The pathways from school are very different for each student. Some will be commencing tertiary study at either university or CIT and pursue professional careers. Others have decided to take a gap year to travel work or do volunteering. Other students will be accessing the workplace, taking up traineeships or apprenticeships," Ms Jarvis added.