The St Anne’s College student has been awarded a place in the University of Melbourne’s Kwong Lee Dow (KLD) Young Scholars Program, a highly competitive initiative designed to support high-achieving students.
“I was so ecstatic, I just didn’t know how to react,” Mitchell said.
Open to top-performing Year 10 students in Victoria and select border regions of NSW and South Australia, the program provides educational and personal development opportunities while fostering early connections with the university.
Scholars take part in events, access university resources, and connect with like-minded peers.
On completion of Year 12, they may be eligible for a guaranteed university place, relocation assistance, and scholarship opportunities for overseas study.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be a part of this program and I look forward to what the future may hold,” Mitchell said.
Selected from over 2000 nominations, Mitchell now has the opportunity to engage in a range of academic and personal development activities.
“To be selected from such a huge pool of students is a real achievement,” St Anne’s College principal Anthony Butts said.
“We are incredibly proud of Mitchell for not only pursuing this amazing opportunity but also for being selected to take part in the program,” Mr Butts said.
Mitchell has already attended an initial meet-and-greet with fellow scholars, which included a study skills workshop and a session with Professor Kwong Lee Dow.
Over the next two years, he will take part in various events designed to enhance both his academic and personal development as well as be a part of an online community with other young scholars.
“There is at least one event every school holidays, ranging from scavenger hunts on campus, VCE revision lectures and motivational guest speakers,” Mitchell said.
“Being a KLD Young Scholar can have many amazing benefits, namely free revision for VCE units alongside some support with study.”
The program also provides additional advantages, such as a reduced ATAR requirement for certain University of Melbourne courses, helping students take the next step in their academic journey.
Mitchell’s application process involved answering questions about his experiences, extracurricular involvement, and achievements, along with an endorsement from St Anne’s College.
With the support of the school’s VCE co-ordinator, Naomi O’Connor, Mitchell successfully secured his place in the program.
“We wish him all the very best as he participates in the program over the next two years,” Mr Butts said.
34°C