Building pathways to university

Siblings share Young Achievers Program journey

A young man wraps his arm around the shoulder of a young woman. She is smiling up at him. A large tree covered with fairy lights is in the background, as well as sandstone arches of UQ's Great Court.

Gabby and Zac Stehn-Prewett. Image: Anjanette Hudson

Gabby and Zac Stehn-Prewett. Image: Anjanette Hudson

For Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Drama and English) student Zac Stehn-Prewett, the day he found out that he’d been accepted into the Young Achievers Program at UQ is one he’ll never forget.

“I remember coming home from school late, having already heard from friends who had received their envelopes from UQ telling them they’d been accepted into the program,” Zac said.

“I ran to the mailbox to see if I had received one as well. When I saw that I had been accepted into the program, I couldn’t contain my excitement; I felt proud of myself, and so incredibly blessed to receive this offer from the University.

“I ran laps around my house, bursting with energy as I realised what this meant. Not only was I going to be able to comfortably attend university, but I would receive direction and assistance in a period where I felt directionless.”
A young smiling man sits amongst dozens of fold-up lecture seats.

Zac Stehn-Prewett. Image: Anjanette Hudson

Zac Stehn-Prewett. Image: Anjanette Hudson

The Young Achievers Program (YAP) is designed to support the tertiary study and career aspirations of high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Alongside financial support – beginning in Year 11 and 12 at $1000, reaching $7000 annually for up to four years while studying at UQ – students are mentored and encouraged across an active pathway from high school to university graduation.

An infographic which reads 1304 participants since 2009. 804 participants are first in family. 200 UQ graduates since 2009.

High school YAP participants receive guidance from current UQ student mentors, participate in volunteering programs in their local communities, and attend residential camps in Years 11 and 12 to begin transitioning into university life.  

Once at university, students can apply for accommodation support, attend workshops, events and networking opportunities and receive ongoing YAP staff support.

An infographic which reads $7000 annual scholarship for up to four years. Mentoring support from UQ students. Accommodation support. Networking opportunities. Ongoing transition to university support programs.
A young smiling man with his arm around a smiling young woman. They are inside a building with wooden benches in the background.

Gabby and Zac Stehn-Prewett. Image: Anjanette Hudson

Gabby and Zac Stehn-Prewett. Image: Anjanette Hudson

Two years before Zac, Gabby – his older sister – had been accepted into the program.

This was a big moment not only for her, but her entire family, as it meant she would be the first in her family to go to university. Her parents had both been interested in tertiary education, but didn't have the opportunity to pursue their passion at university. Today, Gabby is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Maths and Psychology) at UQ.

“When I found out I’d been accepted into YAP, I was absolutely over the moon! I knew that so many doors had just been opened for me that may never have been available in my circumstances,” Gabby said.

“Every day, my scholarship gives me a reason to keep studying, to keep trying hard and to do my family proud.

“After receiving the envelope telling me that I'd been accepted, I remember my uncle, my cousins and my grandparents all coming around to celebrate with me.”

Both the Stehn-Prewett siblings hope to one day work in education – Zac, as a high school teacher helping students find their passion, and Gabby, also as a high school teacher, but with a long-term goal of exploring speech pathology or psychology in the context of education.

“I think my whole life would be different if I hadn’t received this scholarship – I definitely wouldn’t be at university,” Gabby said.

“Being part of YAP really keeps me going, because I can remind myself that there are people out there who care about supporting my education enough that they would donate their hard-earned money to my cause, and to so many others like me.

“I’m exceptionally grateful – I don’t think I can really put it into words.”

Like Gabby, Zac is incredibly grateful to those who have supported both him and his sister to follow their dreams – opportunities they likely otherwise wouldn't have had.

“Thank you so much. I can’t express how much each and every YAP student appreciates what you’ve done,” he said.

“At UQ, I’ve met countless of YAP students from a variety of cohorts, and every one of them praises the program.

“If you’ve donated to YAP, you’re the reason so many high school students’ lives have been changed for the better.”

A smiling young woman leans up against a sandstone column.
A young man and woman look at each other smiling. The man has his arm around the woman. They are standing next to a sandstone column, which continue behind them down an archway.
A smiling young woman and man sit at a round indoor table with two laptops. She is typing.

The Stehn-Prewetts are a wonderful example of how the Young Achievers Program not only impacts a student’s life, but that of their family and their community.

When a student receives that envelope of acceptance in Year 10, it can influence their siblings and peers to also strive for a university education and follow their dreams. It can change the trajectory not only of their own lives, but those around them.

To support students like Zac and Gabby, you can learn more about giving to the Young Achievers Program here.

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