McCUSKER FOUNDATION HELP STUDENTS BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS

This month the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation was extremely excited to announce the launch of an exciting new Uni Challenge voyage in November which has been made possible by the generous support of the McCusker Charitable Foundation and designed specifically for University and TAFE students in Western Australia. 

The Broaden Your Horizons campaign has been receiving fantastic feedback since it's launch with a huge following on social media sites, features in the local newspapers and many enquiries already coming through.

This opportunity is unique to the Leeuwin's standard sailing program with 40 Western Australian university and tertiary students given the exclusive chance to apply for a $1800 scholarship to sail Leeuwin, leaving only $180 for each participant to cover. 

“The McCusker family has a long-standing association with the Leeuwin Foundation.  The Leeuwin Uni Challenge is an excellent opportunity to support young people with their leadership development,” Ms Tonya McCusker, trustee of the McCusker Charitable Foundation, said.

The Leeuwin Uni Challenge will take place from 24 until 30 November 2014.

The Leeuwin Uni Challenge is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young people aged 18-25 to experience life onboard a tall ship and benefit from Leeuwin’s proven youth development programs which increase social confidence, relationship skills, teamwork skills and sense of community. No sailing experience is necessary, just willingness for adventure and being prepared to have a life-changing experience!

To make the Leeuwin Uni Challenge even more memorable, the Leeuwin Foundation and McCusker Foundation are planning to add a number of presentations by high-profile West Australians to the regular voyage program. These speakers will share their personal experiences with the students, in particular focusing on overcoming adversity and perseverance and how these lessons can be applied while building a successful career.

“We are grateful for the support of the McCusker Foundation. The Leeuwin Uni Challenge helps us introduce our programs to university and tertiary students. We know that these young adults will have a very positive, life-changing experience onboard the Leeuwin,” Ms Anne-Marie Archer, CEO of the Leeuwin Foundation, said.

After the completion of the Leeuwin Uni Challenge, participants will be invited to become part of the Leeuwin ‘Red Shirt Crew’ of skilled volunteers and continue to sail on the STS Leeuwin II.

“We are keen to see Leeuwin Uni Challenge participants become part of the important volunteer crew aboard the Leeuwin in the future,” Ms McCusker said.

To be awarded one of the 40 scholarships applicants have to complete an application form on the Leeuwin website: www.sailleeuwin.com/unichallenge. A panel, consisting of representatives of the McCusker Foundation and the Leeuwin Foundation will choose the successful applicants. Applications open Wednesday 3 September and close on Wednesday 15 October.