| Learning for Life Team Leader Illawarra/Shoalhaven Ms Jennifer Reilly... Learning for Life Team Leader Illawarra/Shoalhaven Ms Jennifer Reilly (second right); is pictured with PASS (Peer Assisted Study Session) Program Manager and National Trainer Ms Sally Rogan from Student Services; Glenn Fairweather, a Counsellor from TAFE Illawarra; and (foreground) Jesse Whitmore, a first year Creative Arts student and a Learning for Life scholarship recipient |
Learning for Life program provides pathway for disadvantaged students
18 Mar 2008 | Bernie Goldie
Members of the community congratulated graduates from the Smith Family’s Learning for Life Tertiary Scholarships program at a special function held recently at the University of Wollongong.
In partnership with UOW, more than 30 people attended the event which also served as an information sharing session for 26 newly-inducted scholarship recipients.
“The majority of the students in the program are the first in their extended family to undertake tertiary education, which is a huge milestone for them,” Learning for Life Team Leader, Jennifer Reilly, said.
Four students graduated from the program with 12 recipients continuing their studies at University and TAFE. Recipients are awarded a $2,000 scholarship a year to assist with textbooks and other university expenses, as well as the opportunity to be mentored by members of the community.
“We’ve had a number of students gaining employment in local and regional areas after completion of the program with some in government departments while others have found jobs in teaching and nursing,” Ms Reilly said.
The Learning for Life program invests in the education of disadvantaged Australian youth, providing students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to participate more fully in the education process.
Currently there are 14 students seeking mentors from various study areas including Commerce, Law, Arts, Science and Education. Scholarship recipients are matched with a career mentor for an alternative avenue of support through their studies.
“It’s an opportunity for professional community members to mentor disadvantaged students and give back to the community,” Ms Reilly said.
Anyone interested in participating in the Tertiary Mentoring Program, should contact Jennifer Reilly, Learning for Life Team Leader on (02) 4297 0822.
Information on the Learning for Life program can be found at www.thesmithfamily.com.au
UOW Staff can also support The Smith Family’s Learning For Life program through UOW Cares, the University’s workplace giving program: www.uow.edu.au/about/community/giving
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