In 2004, the UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program was born through a partnership between the Fogarty Foundation and The University of Western Australia, in the belief that supporting the development of one person can change the lives of many.
Two decades later, the program continues to shine as a beacon of opportunity for exceptional students, nurturing their potential to drive positive change in our society.
Dr Annie Fogarty, Chairperson of the Fogarty Foundation says the UWA Fogarty Scholars have proven time and again that they’re not just students, but catalysts for change.
“The Scholars are our next-generation leaders. They have the knowledge, skills and passion to shape the world in ways that will tackle some of the biggest challenges we face and they have the determination and support of each other to find innovative solutions that will drive positive change into the future”, Dr Fogarty says.
Each year, the program selects 10 remarkable high school students based on their outstanding academic records and their contributions in areas such as leadership, community engagement, sports, the arts and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Dr Annie Fogarty speaking at the Fogarty Foundation breakfast
The Scholars receive comprehensive financial support, enabling them to pursue their undergraduate and then postgraduate studies with full focus in their chosen field.
One defining feature of the program is its holistic approach to leadership development, which gives Scholars access to mentoring, career development opportunities, and a network of peers who they can learn from and find support through.
This nurturing environment also encourages Scholars to pursue their own initiatives and provides funding support through the Scholars Enterprise Investment Program (SEIP), promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
In 2023, the program celebrates a remarkable community of 49 Scholars and 138 alumni who have become the spark for change in their communities, not only within Western Australia, but across the world.
“After 20 years, the UWA Fogarty Scholars are now working across all sectors of our community — from health and finance to education and space, some working with global companies and international health organisations and others have started their own businesses — all are contributing to their professions and the community,” Dr Fogarty says.
Their diverse accomplishments stand as testament to the enduring impact of the UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program. For example, the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP), started by Scholar Hayley Winchcombe, empowers young individuals aged 18 to 29, fostering expertise and engagement in ASEAN-Australia affairs, ultimately promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
Another noteworthy initiative, Purposeful, founded by UWA Fogarty Scholar Elizabeth Knight in 2018, has been instrumental in helping young people discover their passions and careers, impacting more than 10,000 students and numerous schools.
Many
Fogarty Breakfast attendees
Fogarty Scholars have gone on to receive prestigious awards and scholarships such as the General Sir John Monash Scholarship, New Colombo Plan Scholarship, Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarship, and Fulbright Scholarship. These accolades highlight the exceptional calibre of Scholars within the program, underscoring their dedication to academic excellence and societal impact.
The UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program stands as a shining example of the transformative power of education and the potential of young minds to create a brighter future for all.
UWA is extremely grateful for the Fogarty Foundation’s generous partnership which has enabled the development of this nationally admired scholarship program.
Read the full issue of the Summer 2023 edition of Uniview [PDF 2.7Mb]. This version is also accessible.