QUT Learning Potential Fund

A true inspiration

QUT Law/Business student Leah Koger, is one inspirational young lady who, despite an unfortunate turn of events, is now over half way through her studies and her dream of a career in Law.

Leah, who has been on the Dean’s list (for high achieving students) and a member of the Golden Key International Society faced the prospect of not being able to afford university after her father had an accident which left him with brain damage. Her mother had to leave her job and care full-time for him.

With the family living on two pensions, university life seemed destined to be a hard slog for Leah, but winning a Commonwealth Scholarship in her first year and earning a bursary from the QUT Learning Potential Fund in the ensuing years have helped her out.

“Things were going to be pretty hard with my dad on a disability pension and my mum on a carer’s pension. Textbooks and the general costs that come with being a university student are expensive,” said Leah.

“The QUT Learning Potential Fund really helped with that, and even though I work as well as study, it is really helpful as I can manage the number of hours I work so I can spend more time studying. Also, when bills come up it reduces the worry and provides security.”

The perpetual QUT Learning Potential Fund provides funding for scholarships and bursaries to help students in financial need with the costs of text books, living expenses and helps them to reduce their hours of paid work.

Scholarships are valued at $2,500 and bursaries are valued at $1,000. The Fund is supported by generous donations from the community, alumni, staff and corporations and has a goal of raising a minimum of $20 million by 2015.

Leah gives her time back to help the QUT Learning Potential Fund and said she knew of a lot of students for whom studying would be a struggle without additional help.

“A lot of students who I have met through my work with the QUT Learning Potential Fund are in situations that make studying hard for them,” she said.

“They are really helped out by the money they receive — but I think there are a lot of students who could benefit from some help.”

“The QUT Learning Potential Fund is a great program, and just eases things for students when it comes to time management and finance.”

Unlike other scholarships across the University, the QUT Learning Potential Fund scholarships are awarded to students entirely on the basis of need. The prime objective of the Fund is to help students from all disciplines succeed in their studies, no matter what their personal circumstances.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Fund further information is available at www.giving.qut.edu.au.

For further information please contact:

Melissa Jeffreys

Senior Development Officer (Learning Potential Fund)

Telephone: (07) 3138 5357

Email: m.jeffreys@qut.edu.au

Web: www.giving.qut.edu.au