CQUniversity Australia has invested $45,000 a year over the past 3 years to help around 240 disadvantaged children realise their potential, as part of an existing partnership with The Smith Family*...

The funds will support the Learning for Life program in Rockhampton and will focus on supporting and raising the aspirations of financially disadvantaged students from schools in the Central Queensland region.

This will help The Smith Family deliver its suite of education and learning programs to children in 18 disadvantaged communities across Queensland, with a focus on children living in the Rockhampton area.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard with Cevall Johnstone and Rob Bianco from The Smith Family

The Smith Family's Partnership Manager, Rob Bianco, said The Smith Family has shared a long-standing partnership with CQUniversity since 2006, with a focus on creating greater accessibility and support networks for disadvantaged students who are aspiring to attend university or currently studying on campus.

"CQUniversity has gained an international reputation as being one of this country's leading institutions in terms of its accessibility and the support it provides for students, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds," Mr Bianco said.

"Students are supported by the University in a range of ways including: special entry consideration, career planning,  assistance finding accommodation and a range of ongoing academic support services, including assignment writing, mathematics, and study skills," Mr Bianco said.

"In addition, CQUniversity offers students who don't meet the traditional QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre) requirements, and those who have not studied for many years, the opportunity to study at university through one of its access programs.

Professor Rickard signs up to the latest agreement in the presence of Tamsen Clifford-Banks from our Office of Development and Graduate Relations

"We thank CQUniversity for its invaluable support and passionate commitment towards helping The Smith Family create a more caring and cohesive Australian society," Mr Bianco said.