Victoria University is proud to announce the inaugural Victoria University Women in Sport Scholarships. Funded by the generous support of Dr Susan Alberti AC, the scholarships are for women who have dealt with significant adversity in relation to their studies.
Everyone knows I’m passionate about sport, especially when it is used as a vehicle to improve women’s health, provide leadership opportunities and create pathways to increase participation on the field, and in the boardrooms. I am delighted to show my support by funding these scholarships and wish the inaugural recipients my congratulations.” said Dr Alberti.
Each year, two women will receive a Victoria University Women in Sport Scholarship to assist their undergraduate or postgraduate studies in sport at VU, along with the opportunity to receive mentoring from a VU Alumni sport community leader. The first two recipients of the Victoria University Women in Sport Scholarship are Laura Oakley and Zoe Pease.
Laura is studying the Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science. After a past traumatic experience resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Laura continues to focus on progressing in her sport of white water rafting and kayaking. As part of her recovery, Laura is re-building confidence and committed to the prevention of workplace harassment and supporting other women who may have had similar experiences.
Due to severe depression and anxiety in adolescence, Zoe experienced challenges in secondary school. Now Zoe studies a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science and plans to take on further studies to qualify as a secondary school teacher in sports and outdoor education with the focus of increasing the confidence of students she teaches.
Uni can be tough at the best of times, but these two young women have endured major upheaval in their lives, and have continued to stay focused and committed to their studies. This new scholarship will go towards ensuring these remarkable women feel supported and have every chance at success.
To find out more about the scholarship, eligibility and how to apply, head over to:
vu.edu.au/study-at-vu/fees-scholarships/scholarships/women-in-sport-scholarship
