Caring Clifton family creates bursary for local high school students

A Clifton family with a desire to see local high school students succeed in higher education has created a bursary for future USQ students.

From next year, USQ will annually offer a Nola Charlesworth Bursary to an undergraduate student commencing full or part-time study at its Toowoomba campus.

USQ Scholarships and Sponsorship Officer, Ms Stephanie Hicks, said the bursary was made possible through the contribution of the late Nola Charlesworth and her children Kevin Charlesworth, Rita Poole, Dale Allen and Erica Neate.

'Nola was a long-term deputy principal at Clifton High School who had a passion for assisting children with learning difficulties,' Ms Hicks said. 'She served the school community for more than 30 years.

'This bursary was inspired by her desire to see local Clifton children realise their potential in a University setting.'

The Charlesworth family also donates an annual prize of $50 to a Year 10 student for recognition of achievement in English.

'Mrs Charlesworth bequeathed money in her will to create a bursary for Clifton High School students who enrol at USQ,' Ms Hicks said. 'Her children also have contributed additional funds, inspired by their mother’s generosity and mutual desire to see Clifton High School students succeed.'

Mrs Charlesworth’s son Kevin said his mother had a genuine passion for helping students who were struggling academically.

'She was a ‘remedial teacher’ who saw the potential in students and encouraged them to go further with their education,' he said. 'This is why the bursary has been created; to assist a student who really needs it.'

The bursary will have a total value of $1000 for one year at USQ.

Applicants must be citizens of Australia, be studying at USQ on-campus in Semester One, 2010, be graduating from Clifton High School in 2009, demonstrate financial need and demonstrate their determination in obtaining their degree by providing a 300-500 word statement on how this Bursary will aid them in pursuit of a career.