Central Queensland University has announced its support of an upcoming youth conference, subsidising the costs of tickets and transportation that will help bring an estimated 800 high school students from all over the region to the Rockhampton Step to the Future Youth Forum on March 10 at the Pilbeam Theatre.

The Forum is designed to instil in students a very positive attitude about their future. There will be presentations from a range of speakers from various fields such as business, sports, politics, and education as well as young people who are making a difference. All of them will share their personal experiences on how they have achieved their dreams and how education has played a significant role in making their dreams a reality.

“Students, at all levels, learn best and achieve success when they’re motivated and empowered to take the initiative. We believe this program will give encouragement to students who need it,” explained CQU Vice Chancellor John Rickard, who is scheduled to open the Forum.

Step to the Future Forums are conducted throughout Australia. They are based upon universities’ relationships with schools and a mutual understanding that education, at all levels, is an investment in the life-long learning process.

“We hope that students come away from these events better equipped to make informed choices regarding their transition from schooling to further education and work,” added Professor Rickard.

CQU’s sponsorship of the Forum and financial contribution will make a significant number of discounted and free tickets available. The University wants to make the Forum accessible and not disadvantage anyone from attending due to economic reasons.

For more information on the Forum, please contact Diane Allan, National Forum Convenor 0412 466 841 or dallan@steptothefuture.com. Direct bookings can be made on the Step to the Future website: www.steptothefuture.com