Celebrating the journeys made possible by the Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship
There was plenty to celebrate at our recent Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship Recipient Lunch, generously hosted by the Adam Scott Foundation.
Held at the Marion Hotel, the lunch brought together scholarship recipients and alumni whose journeys began with the Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program and have continued into university, careers and new opportunities.
The Adam Scott Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually to Youth Opportunities graduates and cover HECS fees of up to $75,000, giving recipients the incredible opportunity to pursue a university education without student debt.
Where Opportunity Leads
It was a wonderful afternoon of connection and celebration, with Chloe J, in her first year of Psychology and Jessica, in her second year of Psychology, both at the University of Adelaide; Kit, now a software engineer; and Sophie, now a paediatric occupational therapist in the Barossa, among those who attended. They were all excited to connect and meet others who share a similar Youth Opportunities journey.
While Chloe D was unable to join us after recently relocating to Bordertown to begin her career as a paramedic, she was very much part of the celebration.
A 2017 Youth Opportunities graduate and 2019 scholarship recipient, Chloe says the scholarship gave her more than financial support. Following the loss of her stepfather and a change in direction with her studies, the scholarship gave her the confidence to pursue a Bachelor of Paramedicine. She went on to graduate with academic commendations and become a registered paramedic.
“It was confidence, it was a hand up not a handout,” Chloe said. “Knowing someone believed in my potential gave me the reassurance to embrace the opportunities ahead and pursue my goals with greater confidence.”
Building Belief and Creating Pathways
Kit also reflected on how far he has come. At 15, he struggled with confidence, connection and having a clear vision for his future. The Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program helped him develop the skills and belief to change that.
After becoming Year 12 School Captain, Kit felt confident enough to apply for the Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship. Today, he has a successful career in Sydney, with his most recent role at CommBank.
For Holly, who received her scholarship in 2023, the impact has been equally significant. She is now studying for a Bachelor of Laws and says the biggest impact of the scholarship was “not only the funding, which I am ever so grateful for, but the self-belief that came along with it.”
Holly recently achieved her first High Distinction and says the support from the Adam Scott Foundation and Youth Opportunities has helped her believe she can achieve goals she once thought were out of reach.
The Power of Investing in Potential
Hayley, a scholarship recipient from Mount Gambier, has also taken her career in an unexpected and rewarding direction. After completing a Bachelor of Primary Education with Honours, she took a chance on a teaching opportunity in the APY Lands. She is now in her second year living and teaching in Pukatja.
Looking back, Hayley says the scholarship felt like someone saying, we believe in you and your future. That belief helped her pursue the career she had dreamed of and embrace opportunities that have taken her places she never expected.
Laticia, now in her third year of a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours at Flinders University, says the scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies without the additional pressure of university debt or needing to work part-time.
Her message to other young people considering applying is simple: The worst thing someone can say is no.
Creating Opportunities that Last
These journeys are a powerful reflection of the connection between the Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program and the Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship.
As Geoff from the Adam Scott Foundation says:
“Based on what I see in students we interview for our annual scholarship, the Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program is probably the most important Year 10 program in South Australia for students looking to reset their narrative and focus on their future with confidence. Each year the Youth Opportunities applicants seem much more aware of their prospects and desire to action a positive future mindset.”
The Program helps young people build the confidence and skills to imagine a different future. The scholarship then helps make that future possible.
We are incredibly grateful to the Adam Scott Foundation for generously hosting this special lunch and for its ongoing investment in the futures of Youth Opportunities graduates. We look forward to creating more opportunities for our scholarship alumni to reconnect, celebrate their achievements and build relationships that can lead to mentoring opportunities, professional connections and future pathways.