Tip of the Week - Give the gift of opportunity

At ACU, we believe everyone has an equal right to education. One way ACU lives its Mission is through providing equity scholarships, which give financial support for students experiencing hardship.

This year, an inaugural Staff Giving program has been established which enables staff members to make donations from pre-tax payroll deductions to support ACU's community engagement activities.

Through this new endowed fund, ACU aims to double the number of scholarships over the next five years and to create opportunities for those who would otherwise find university out of reach. The fund has been kick-started by a $1 million contribution from the University, which also pledges to match all donations to the fund dollar for dollar.

The Staff Giving program will also support ACU's community engagement work on the Thai-Burma Border and in East Timor and staff can choose which program they would like to donate to.

How to get involved

This Christmas, why not take the opportunity to give back to your community and make a real difference in the lives of others by making a contribution through the Staff Giving program.

For more information about the staff giving program speak with a member of the Advancement Team.

The gift of opportunity - Aaron's story

First year student Aaron Brown is studying a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) at our Brisbane Campus.

After struggling with the expenses of university, Aaron thought he would be heading back to his rural home town of Emerald at the end of the year, rather than pursuing his dreams of becoming a teacher.

Fortunately, Aaron was the recipient of the Catherine McAuley Scholarship, worth $2,500 for each year of his four-year course, and the $15,000 Edmund Rice Education Australia & St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace – Equity Scholarship, which has allowed him to continue his studies at ACU.Ultimately Aaron’s dream is to return to the country classrooms, to teach and support regional students.

“The community did a lot for me and I’d really like to be able to give back, even if it’s just helping one kid,” Aaron said.