First published 7 August 2024
Over 950 Student with Potential (SWP) award recipients and family members were acknowledged and celebrated at QUT Kelvin Grove during Open Day on Sunday 28 July.
The event recognised a record number of Year 10-12 students who had been identified by their teachers as possessing the potential to succeed in higher education and future careers. The event also provided an opportunity for parents and carers to celebrate their student’s success while hearing the real-life stories of QUT student ambassadors who were themselves SWP Award recipients and had overcome barriers to higher education before going on to thrive at QUT. At the conclusion of the celebration the attendees participated in Open Day.
Professor Mark Harvey, Vice President of Engagement and Chief Marketing Officer, and Ms Nicole Clark, Executive Director of Student Services and Wellbeing, congratulated the award recipients and their families. Former recipients of the SWP award and Student Inclusion ambassadors Jessy Renouf and Jasmine Matai served as guest speakers, sharing the profound impact the award had on their educational journeys and highlighting the significance of the recognition and financial support.
"It was terrific to see our students with potential and their parents and carers on Sunday," Professor Harvey said. "Recognising achievement is so important, it establishes a platform of confidence that students can aspire to obtain their true aspirations."
Ms Clark said it was a joy and a privilege to celebrate with students, their families, and supporters.
"The excitement and pride in their achievements were clearly evident, with many arriving early and staying afterward to enjoy the Open Day activities," she said.
The SWP Award – which aims to encourage all capable students to complete post-school study - includes a certificate, a $100 gift voucher each year for three years, Studiosity 24/7 academic support, recognition from their school communities at school assemblies, a free QTAC application voucher, and ongoing support.
More than 9,000 awards have been distributed since the program was introduced in 2008. The SWP Award program is one of QUT’s Student Inclusion suite of programs which focus on supporting people from underrepresented groups to participate in higher education through initiatives focused on increasing awareness, enhancing aspirations, increasing achievement, improving access and ensuring affordability.
