Four years ago when Jake Boles joined The Smith Family's Learning for Life program, little did he know it would help him realise his dream of studying engineering at CQUniversity Mackay.

Jake is the first proud recipient of a $2000 per year Learning for Life Scholarship at CQUniversity and his success demonstrates the importance of supporting young people to realise their potential.

LINK HERE for background on The Smith Family

Jake Boles is settling into the Mackay Campus thanks to support from The Smith Family's Learning for Life program

Jake joined Learning for Life in 2006 and credits the program with giving him the confidence and financial assistance to pursue his dream.

"The Smith Family has really opened my eyes to the world. It is comforting to know that there are good people in the world and community willing to help people that really need it. I would also like to especially thank my sponsor for supporting me through my university studies," Jake said.

The Smith Family is supported by CQUniversity to deliver its suite of education and learning programs to help disadvantaged children in 18 disadvantaged communities across Queensland.

The Smith Family's Partnership Manager, Rob Bianco, said The Smith Family has shared a long-standing relationship with CQUniversity, with a focus on creating greater accessibility and support networks for disadvantaged students, aspiring to, or currently studying at university.

"We are delighted to have the first student on our Learning for Life program achieve their goal of attending CQUniversity and thank the University for its invaluable support and commitment towards helping us create a more caring and cohesive Australian society," Mr Bianco said.