Double honour for UWA alumnus and 'education for all' advocate

22/01/2025 | 4 mins

Passionate advocate for universal access to education and UWA alumnus Jack Anderson has achieved a remarkable double distinction, selected for the prestigious Schwarzman Scholars class of 2025-26, while also being named 2025 Western Australian Young Australian of the Year.

Mr Anderson, 24, will join 149 other young trailblazers from 38 countries and 105 universities around the world in attending a one-year, fully funded master’s degree program in global affairs at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, this year’s Schwarzman Scholars program received the highest number of applications in its 10-year history, with nearly 5,000 candidates. 

A former Wesley College school student who grew up in Applecross, Mr Anderson said he thought he’d used up all his luck when he was named 2025 Young Australian of the Year for WA.

“Then I got a call last week from the Schwarzman Scholars CEO to confirm I had a place, and I couldn’t believe it – it's been an incredible journey, luck is definitely on my side,” he said.

Currently pursuing a Master of Education at Harvard University as a Frank Knox Memorial and Quad Fellow, his impact on educational equity began during his first year at UWA when he was volunteering with Ignite Mentoring and witnessed educational inequality at a school just 20km from campus.

Jack Anderson at Havard

Image: Busy at Harvard where he is a Frank Knox Memorial and Quad Fellow, Jack Anderson.

“It shocked me to see an education ceiling placed across the heads of students who lived only a few suburbs from me, an experience that led me to establish ThrivEd while I was studying mechanical engineering,” he said.

That venture evolved into Elucidate Education, which, under his leadership, has grown to engage 70 volunteers and has supported more than 100,000 marginalised students with access to textbooks, online content and educational videos.

Mr Anderson, the second of four children who have all studied at UWA, graduated in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Philosophy (First Class Honours) in Engineering Science and Business Law. 

Despite the demands of his studies and charitable work, he has maintained diverse interests, competing in Ninja Warrior championships and sports commenting for the World Ninja League, as well as testing his mental and physical mettle in ultra marathons.

“Managing my time has been pretty crucial but I really value sport – it allows me time to think,” he said. 
“When you’re doing something that’s so difficult and uncomfortable, it makes everything else feel easier!”

He’s hoping to use his Schwarzman Scholarship to study China's approach to educational equality. 

Jack Anderson public speaking

Image: "Managing my time has always been pretty crucial".

“China is a fascinating place that most Australians don’t fully understand, and I want to travel to every province and learn from their initiatives in rural and remote communities,” he said.

“They're bridging the education gap for tens of millions of students – I hope to learn from their approach and bring those lessons back to help the educationally disadvantaged in Australia.

“The opportunity to connect with 149 other incredible Schwarzman scholars and build deep connections will also be invaluable. 

“The hope of the program is that one day we’ll be leaders and in positions where we’re able to foster stronger diplomacy and greater world peace.”

Image at top of page: The early ThrivED team in Perth.

Media references

Liz McGrath, UWA Media Advisor, 08 6488 7975

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