Education has the power to change lives and by giving a gift to the UC Foundation Scholarship Fund or the UC Student Empowerment Fund, you can help UC students achieve their dreams.
For many students, studying at the University of Canberra represents a bright future, an opportunity to change their life for the better and achieve their dreams. Unfortunately for some, the added financial strain can cause those dreams to shatter and become unachievable.
For UC Student Atosha Birongo, her dream of attending university was seemingly out of reach.
Atosha was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo to a family of nine children. When civil war broke out, their lives were turned upside down, shattering her secure and happy childhood. This was just the beginning of a number of challenges that Atosha would face throughout her life, but fast forward to 2020 when Atosha received an unconditional offer to study at the University of Canberra. A moment that was met with joy and excitement, but closely followed by the question of how she would afford it.
In 2022, Atosha was awarded a UC Foundation Scholarship that gave her a financial lifeline, a means to succeed, and an opportunity to receive a life-changing education. In March this year she graduated from UC with a Bachelor of Politics and International Relations.
In 2022 the UC Foundation awarded 17 scholarships to students from rural or remote areas, Indigenous and refugee backgrounds, and students living with a disability. Unfortunately, 56 other eligible applicants missed out, leaving them without access to financial support, that could make or break their university dreams.
With your support, together we can drive change and empower UC students on their journey to a brighter future.
I am proud to be a real-life example of how education changes lives.
Atosha Birongo | 2022 UC Foundation Scholarship Recipient
As the cost of living continues to rise, so does the number of students that need support. The Student Empowerment Fund exists to provide students with immediate financial support when they need it most, enabling them to continue their studies.
“The Student Empowerment Fund helped me at a time when I was struggling financially, it really changed my life.”
- Anonymous Student Empowerment Fund Recipient
Last year, thanks to the generosity of people like you, the Student Empowerment Fund provided immediate financial support for 139 students in need.
A gift to the Student Empowerment Fund will ensure students in need receive healthy meals, emergency housing, textbooks or learning equipment, essential hygiene supplies, household items and travel costs to and from university and work.
Your gift this end of financial year will give hope and change lives. Please make a tax-deductible donation before 30 June.
