The Westpac Scholars Trust is celebrating a major milestone having reached its 500th Scholar, since first launching in 2017 with a $100 million donation from Westpac.
Since launch, and in partnership with some of Australia’s leading universities, the Trust has awarded 100 scholarships each year to support the education of Australians who are pioneering new benchmarks in innovation, research and social change. The cost of the scholarships has to date totalled $31 million.
Westpac Scholars Trust Acting CEO, Amy Lyden, said the program demonstrates the bank’s ongoing commitment to helping Australians succeed and backing a stronger Australia.
“The Westpac Scholars Trust is an important part of how we create sustainable, long term value by investing in current and emerging leaders working in areas we believe are at the heart of Australia’s future growth and prosperity,” Ms Lyden said.
“The scholarships are centred around three of these areas: technology and innovation, Australia-Asia ties, and positive social change, and the value of the program is reflected in the journeys and achievements of the first 500 scholars.
“With the support of the program and its networks, many Westpac Scholars have gone on to make significant contributions in a range of fields. Whether through scientific breakthroughs, mental health research or using big data to design more inclusive cities, these individuals are inspiring in their desire to make a difference,” she said.
Westpac Scholars Trust currently partners with 14 universities across Australia.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Capability) at the University of Melbourne Professor, Julie McLeod, said the Westpac Scholars program continues to reflect the outstanding talent of the university’s alumni.
“We value this partnership with the Westpac Scholars Trust and their scholarship program for our graduate and early career research community. In the current climate, it has never been more critical to support the next generation of researchers and emerging leaders,” Professor McLeod said.
