Westpac Scholars bringing big ideas to life

In 2014, Westpac Bicentennial Foundation started as an idea – a $100 million gift to the nation from Westpac to fund 100 scholarships a year, forever.

 

Today, the foundation has welcomed more than 300 Westpac Scholars who are tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, innovators and pioneers. We’re proud to share with you our first Impact Report that outlines the progress we’re making:

 

1. Scholarships that shape futures

Attract and invest in outstanding people to find new and better ways to contribute to Australia's progress across technology, social issues and our engagement with Asia.

2018 highlights:

• 100 scholarships awarded across five scholarship categories

• $3.9M awarded in scholarships

• 18 University partners

• 90% of scholars are more confident in their ability to contribute to the prosperity of Australia since becoming a Westpac Scholar.

 

2. Leaders that create a better tomorrow

Help Westpac Scholars to be world class leaders equipped with the skills and networks they need to reach their full potential.

2018 highlights:

• $332,000 invested in bespoke leadership development opportunities

• 57 speaker opportunities facilitated

• 94% of Westpac Scholars have had access to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had.

 

3. Collaboration that drives change

Create opportunities for collaboration and networking to encourage bold innovation and inspire the future generation of leaders.

2018 highlights:

• 85% of Westpac Scholars agree they have access to networks that are valuable to their career ambitions

• 65% of Future Leaders, 86% of Research Fellows and 64% of Social Change Fellows have mentored another Westpac Scholar in the last 12 months. 

 

Westpac Scholars are people like Associate Professor Liz New who is researching fluorescent sensors to help remote communities to instantly check the safety of their drinking water, or Jeremy Forbes who is bridging the gap between tradies in need and suicide support services whose TED Talk has now been viewed more than a million times.

 

_{Published 18 December 2018}