The Professor John Jackson Scholarship reduces the financial pressure on students, helping them focus fully on learning.
John Jackson would have been delighted to hear the passion in Asia Henry’s voice as she describes her studies at RMIT. “I really, really love it. I’ve just finished my first placement. I learnt so much,” she said.
Now in fourth year of a five-year Bachelor of Social Work/Social Sciences (Psychology), Asia could only have dreamed of a career in social work, were it not for the support of Emeritus Professor John Jackson, whose Will provided for a Scholarship that RMIT has established in his name.
“I knew since I was 14 or 15 that I wanted to work with families and kids – I’m really interested in youth mental health. A family friend told me about social work. I looked around at courses and I kept coming back to social work. I am even more committed to it now, after studying for three years and completing my first practical placement; it really opened my eyes,” Asia said.
The scholarship of up to $25,000 per year supports students who have experienced significant family, social or economic challenges but who are passionate in their desire for tertiary education. It offers financial assistance designed to help fund accommodation and to minimise, if not eliminate, the time a recipient must devote to earning income during their university course.
Such scholarships have become increasingly important and impactful as housing costs skyrocket and the cost-of-living continues to rise throughout Australia.
The Emeritus Professor John Jackson Scholarship assists Asia with rental expenses and enables her to get by with only one part-time job, leaving time to devote to her studies and placements, which include a stint in a remote community.
“The scholarship has played a huge role. I would find it incredibly difficult if I didn’t have that, as I am impacted by the challenges of moving out of the family home,” she said.
I am so grateful to have the scholarship. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to engage fully in my placement, which I found incredibly rewarding.
Emeritus Professor John Jackson had a distinguished career at RMIT where he was Dean of Business from 1991 and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources) from 1999 to 2003. He was appointed Emeritus Professor in 2004. The scholarship was established after his death in 2006 to continue his legacy and fulfil his vision of opening the world of university to students who would otherwise not be able to attend due to financial or social constraints.
Professor Jackson’s Will also enabled the establishment of a similar Scholarship at the University of Western Australia, where he was Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce in the 1980s.
Asia said she felt profound gratitude to Professor Jackson for his generosity, which has allowed her to pursue her dream of studying social work, and that RMIT has been a wonderful community to be part of.
“The students and tutors have all been very welcoming.
“RMIT offers a lot of supports for all students. My tutors have always offered extra help and support. It’s incredible.”
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