Opening doors to opportunity with joblink plus

An exciting collaboration between Joblink Plus and the University of Newcastle is supporting people to discover their unique passion and purpose through a range of new scholarships.

For Bachelor of Education (Primary) student Dannielle Wilson, growing up on Gamilaraay land in rural NSW, the drive to study teaching started young. However, with challenges at home and school, disability and learning difficulties, there were many barriers in her way.

I am drawn to education like a moth to flame to show other disadvantaged and disabled students that they too can succeed. As a teacher, I want to change the world for the better, one child at a time. Now I can see this dream becoming a reality.”

Dannielle Wilson
Recipient of 2022 Joblink Plus Scholarship

Dannielle is now one of the students benefiting from a collaboration between the University of Newcastle’s Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre and Joblink Plus. Several new scholarships have been established to support and facilitate inclusive, broad and equitable access to university for people who may otherwise struggle to connect with tertiary education.

“Receiving my scholarship was a doorway to me learning to accommodate my needs and validate that I am a person worthy of my place and study.”

In a three-year commitment to the University, Joblink Plus pledged $30,000 to support scholarships in 2022, which benefited six students. In 2023 and 2024, Joblink Plus have generously pledged $100,000 per year to support scholarships for disadvantaged students who are coming to tertiary study via enabling programs.

This generous philanthropic support will allow many more people who experience disadvantage to find connection and purpose through their studies at the University of Newcastle and afterwards through meaningful work in our communities.

Joblink Plus is a not-for-profit organisation providing employment services and vocational training throughout NSW, including many rural and regional communities.

Joblink Plus places over 11,000 people into employment and enrols 5,000 students into vocational training across NSW each year.

After receiving the 2022 Joblink Plus Scholarship, Dannielle was able to purchase equipment to help her stay organised and safe on campus, and keep her car on the road, which enables her to focus more on her studies by reducing day-to-day stress. Dannielle hopes to lead the way for her children and is determined to make a difference in the lives of her future students.

By believing in and connecting people to the dignity and fulfillment made possible through education and meaningful work, we can unlock the great potential within our communities. As a trauma informed organisation, these scholarships are an important part of our commitment to help people discover their strengths.”

Tim Diebold
Executive Leader Strategy, Performance & Analytics at Joblink Plus

To learn more about how you or your business can philanthropically support students through scholarships, please contact Lenita on 02 4921 8612 or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au