More than 40 Year 12 students from regional Victoria will finish the year with more certainty, after receiving a conditional offer into their chosen university course for 2021.
Still open for applications, La Trobe University's flagship Aspire program recognises leadership and community contribution, by giving students an early conditional offer, and access to unique support programs, industry connections and networking opportunities.
Select Aspire program applicants who receive a minimum ATAR of 80 are also eligible for one of 40 scholarships, worth up to $20,000 each.
La Trobe Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional) Dr Guinever Threlkeld said this year's early conditional offers through the program are more critical to students than ever.
"Year 12 students are in the middle of an extremely challenging final year and, understandably, many are finding it hard to focus on 2021," Dr Threlkeld said.
"If we can reward students for the contribution they make to their communities, while at the same time easing some of the uncertainty and pressure, we are pleased to be able to do that."
Bendigo student, Sienna Linguey, said she was thrilled to receive a conditional offer into La Trobe's Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Psychological Science.
"Receiving the news was like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders," Sienna said.
"This year has been really hard - especially going back and forth between remote learning and face-to-face classes.
"To know now that, all going well, I will be studying in Bendigo next year, and studying a course that I'm really excited about - well, that's one less thing to worry about," Sienna said.
Sienna has been volunteering in retirement villages, charity op-shops and aged care homes since she was twelve.
"I really like giving back to the community. My volunteer work has helped me develop as a person and strengthen my understanding and empathy," Sienna said.
"For it to be also recognised as part of the Aspire program is icing on the cake."
Successful Aspire applicants receive an early conditional offer for 2021, even before they complete their exams.
