First published 20 July 2020
QUT has an ongoing strategic partnership with The Smith Family, and a common commitment to improving the educational outcomes of young Australians from low-income backgrounds.
The partnership involves an annual grant to The Smith Family, as well as other financial and in-kind support for students in their Learning for Life program.
The Learning for Life program provides students with financial assistance, guidance and support from a Learning for Life Program Coordinator, and access to educational programs such as mentoring.
The support provided to students by QUT includes free careers counselling to all Learning for Life high school students and a prepaid QTAC voucher for any of them wanting to apply to any university or TAFE.
Learning for Life students who enrol at QUT also receive a guaranteed $3,500 Equity scholarship and computer.
Another aspect of the partnership are the events hosted by QUT for Learning for Life students.
For example, the tertiary student induction, held each year at Gardens Point campus, gives students a chance to come to a university campus, connect with other students and learn more about what to expect when they start their studies. Current QUT students who are part of the Learning for Life program also attend and share their experiences with the commencing students.
Other events include
- A post-school options event for high school students, providing an opportunity to explore different pathways available to them after school.
- Grad Hacks, a session to help graduating students make a successful transition to further education or employment
