Equity scholarships help students get online

Single Mum and University of Southern Queensland (USQ) student, Michelle Kudell, can't thank the University enough for her new laptop.

Michelle was one of 25 deserving students to receive a Dell computer from the University's ICT Division this semester, under the USQ Equity Scholarship program.

Graduating from USQ with a Bachelor of Visual Arts last year, Michelle enrolled in a Graduate Diploma of Education this year to become a teacher.

She received an award for the highest achieving Visual Arts student at her graduation, with a Grade Point Average of 6.78 (out of a possible 7).

Michelle said she was absolutely thrilled when she heard she had been awarded an Equity Scholarship.

'I was thrilled to get a computer. It's what I needed to complete my degree.

'Being a single Mum I didn't realise I was eligible - I always thought scholarships were for school-leavers. I didn't find out until my third year when another mature age student received one.

'The Student Equity Office were so helpful. I advise all students to go and talk to them. Don't think you won't be eligible, go and talk to them. The worst thing they can say is no, and you might be able to get help.

'And now I've got my computer, I can't get off it!' she said.

This year has been the first time USQ has offered students the option of receiving a laptop instead of a monetary scholarship.

USQ Scholarship Officer, Shaunaugh Brady, said they wanted to provide assistance to a wider range of equity groups by offering laptops and book bursaries, in addition to monetary scholarships.

'We were able to use a proportion of the annual $150,000 Equity Scholarships pool to purchase a number of laptops through an arrangement between Dell, ICT and the Student Equity Office,' Ms Brady said.

'The arrangement was a collaborative effort which has allowed us to obtain the laptops at a competitive price and benefit students who are experiencing financial hardship.

'It's about making it easier for students to complete their programs, and Michelle is a very worthy recipient.'

More than 60 students received Equity Scholarships in Semester 2 this year.

Media Contact: Fiona Taylor, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4117 or +61 423 808 46