The generous support of Dr Susan Alberti AC has enabled the establishment of our Women in Sport Scholarship.
Each year, one student will receive the scholarship towards studies in sport at Victoria University. They also potentially have an opportunity to receive mentoring from a VU Alumni sport community leader.
The successful recipient will have faced barriers and challenges in their secondary schooling or personal life that have previously prevented them from studying at university.
Dr Susan Alberti AC is an inspirational woman who champions change to advance women in sport.
This scholarship is a legacy of the fundraising assistance Dr Susan Alberti AC provides to the Victoria University Women in Sport centre. Her contributions help us to strengthen sport career pathways for women, and advance workforce development through education.
In 2019, Susan was nominated on of the '50 Most Influential Aussie Women in Sport' in the Herald Sun. In the same year, she was awarded the Victorian State Government Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award.
Dr Susan Alberti AC (left) with VU's Clare Hanlon
The focus of the VU Women in Sport scholarship is to assist women who due to personal circumstances have not been able to begin or continue their studies.
Circumstances specific to the recipients may include, but are not limited to:
The first two recipients of the Victoria University 2020 Women in Sport Scholarship are Laura Oakley and Zoe Pease.
Laura is studying the Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science. After a past traumatic experience resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Laura continues to focus on progressing in her sport of white water rafting and kayaking. As part of her recovery, Laura is re-building her confidence; she is committed to the prevention of workplace harassment and supporting other women who may have had similar experiences.
Due to severe depression and anxiety in adolescence, Zoe experienced challenges in secondary school. Now Zoe studies a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science and plans to take on further studies to qualify as a secondary school teacher in sports and outdoor education with the focus of increasing the confidence of students she teaches.
To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:
Successful applicants may be invited to speak at Victoria University functions to highlight how the funds have enabled them to progress in their sport related career ambitions.
As well as the financial help, mentoring from a VU Alumni sport community leader is offered.
Applications are currently closed.
Documentation supporting your application must include:
The personal statement must:
