RACQ drives student success with TAFE Queensland scholarships
Much like TAFE Queensland, RACQ has been part of the Queensland community for more than a century, and with similar values, it comes as no surprise the two organisations have formed a partnership to help change people’s lives through education.
RACQ proudly supports the TAFE Queensland Foundation, sponsoring 10 scholarships over five years to support First Nations students to train in their chosen area.
RACQ Community and Sponsorship Manager Melanie Calzavara said RACQ was proud to play a small role in helping the next generation of First Nations Queenslanders to have access to educational opportunities.
“Our purpose ‘to make a positive difference to the lives of our members now and into the future’ is at the core of everything we do,” Ms Calzavara said.
“Every year, RACQ delivers community support through the RACQ Foundation, as well as funding to a number of community partnerships and local giving programs. In FY22, RACQ provided more than $10.5 million to communities across the state.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to the community and to reconciliation, we want to help provide clear and accessible employment pathways for First Nations peoples.”
Launched in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded over $2.6 million, helping more than 550 Queenslanders to pursue their career goals.
The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program awards each recipient $5,000 to study any Certificate III through to an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree at any of our over 60 campus locations or online.
Scholarships help cover the costs of course fees, text books and living expenses.
There are two types of scholarships available, one being Merit scholarships aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers. The second is Access and Equity scholarships designed to help students who are battling social or financial hardship.
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer John Tucker said scholarships can be life-changing for students, providing them with the financial support and encouragement they need to build a better future for themselves and those around them.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of sponsors like RACQ who generously donate each year to the TAFE Queensland Foundation which funds our scholarships program,” Mr Tucker said.
“We know the power of training and skills and with RACQ’s support we are helping our students to change their lives and achieve their career aspirations.”
Any individual, organisation or industry partner is able to contribute to the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program through donations or sponsorship.
“The TAFE Queensland Foundation partnership has enabled us to make a positive impact on the education journey of young Queenslanders. We’re extremely excited to offer these scholarships to students and help them thrive in their education, training and future careers,” Ms Calzavara said.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership with TAFE Queensland Foundation and improving access to educational opportunities for First Nations peoples.”