Stockland supports ambitious and talented indigenous students through scholarships
In November 2018, through our partnership with the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN), we awarded two scholarships to indigenous secondary school students. Our support for indigenous students aligns with education objectives within our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and within our sustainability strategy to shape thriving communities.
The two scholarships funded through the ABCN Scholarship Foundation went to Harley from New South Wales and Talen from Queensland. They will enter the ‘Accelerate program’, which provides students with corporate mentoring and financial assistance for years 11, 12 and the first year of tertiary education. The scholarships provide support to exceptional students facing economic, family or social challenges that could impact on their current study and future ambitions.
Harley and Talen are excited by the opportunities that will open up to them as a result of the scholarships. The two students are motivated by a strong desire to succeed and become role models for others. On his professional goals, Harley said, “I want to pursue my dream of becoming a neurological surgeon. I have wanted to have this as my career since I was seven, and have always been fascinated by how the brain works.”
Talen’s ambition is, “to become an architect as I love to draw and design things or perhaps go into law enforcement as I want to make a safe community for others.” He also spoke about the opportunity the scholarship provided, saying: “I’m excited to have a mentor to guide me on my future pathways and help me have an understanding of the working world.”
Harley and Talen join four other indigenous students chosen by Stockland in 2017 to receive our scholarships with ABCN, meaning that we are now supporting six indigenous students on their journey to achieve their aspirations across Australia. We have committed to a further two scholarships in 2019.
About ABCN
ABCN connects businesses with schools that have been classified as disadvantaged, and run programs with corporate mentors that help students develop professionally and gain access to post-education pathways that typically may not be accessible to them. For more than 11 years, our partnership has helped students achieve their aspirations, particularly to complete their secondary education and choose a tertiary training pathway. Students participate in mentoring sessions, networking events and training in a corporate environment, which covers life skills such as goal-setting, leadership training, interview and communication techniques and personal development.
To hear more about how ABCN fits into our broader approach to shaping thriving communities, read our Community Deep Dive available on the Sustainability Downloads webpage.