Media releases
Westpac awards 35 Young Technologists Scholarships
30 March, 2017
Today Westpac Bicentennial Foundation announced its 2017 Young Technologists Scholarship recipients, awarding 35 undergraduate students across 11 Australian universities.
Valued at up to $25,000, the Scholarship aims to expand Australia’s technology talent pool by supporting undergraduates who are passionate about technology and innovation, and the impact it will have on Australia’s economy.
Susan Bannigan, CEO of the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, said the Scholarship is designed to attract young people from all walks of life, and encourages more high school leavers to consider a future in this field.
“Technology is one of three key priorities for the Foundation. It is at the forefront of our future and permeates every aspect of our lives. The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship aims to not only increase diversity in the industry but increase the number of people choosing a career in this field,”
“We are thrilled to see over 50% of our 2017 cohort is female, and further nine of the 35 recipients are relocating from regional Australia to take up a technology-related degree.” Susan said.
NSW scholarship recipient Rhiannon Pauling will make the move from Inverell, her home town in Northern NSW, to the University of Wollongong, where she will study a double degree in Computer Science and Science (Physics). She plans to use her scholarship to gain the expertise and skills she needs to return to her community and help local businesses succeed using new trends in technology.
"I am extremely privileged to be awarded such a prestigious scholarship. By furthering my career in science and technology, I will have the opportunity to help those in my local community who have limited access to the latest technologies."
Similarly Joshua Males, a young indigenous student from Devonport, Tasmania will relocate to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Information Technology at RMIT. He is determined to make his mark in technology and give back to his indigenous community.
“It has been my dream to study Information Technology at RMIT. I’m really excited about the opportunity I now have to become a programmer. It is my way of getting my ideas out there to help people.” Joshua said.
In addition to financial assistance, all 35 recipients will also gain lifelong membership to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network, joining an incredible group of inspiring leaders.
“Money can help launch a vision but it takes a network of inspired and inspiring people to sustain it. That’s why every Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship recipient will be part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Growing by 100 scholars a year across our five scholarship programs, this network will connect those with bold ideas to build a better future for all Australians,” Susan added.
The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is one of five scholarships offered through the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation. The Foundation awarded its 200th scholar this year, as part of Westpac’s 200th anniversary.
For more information, visit www.westpac.com.au/scholarships.