Apply to be a Student Mentor

Student Mentor Applications

2024 Student mentor applications are now open and will close Sunday, 8 September 2024.

The Young Achievers Program empowers aspiring high school students to achieve their goals by providing access to education, mentorship, financial support, opportunities for personal growth, and leadership development. The program provides an opportunity for university students to work closely with the YAP students throughout Years 11 and 12 and as they transition from school to university. UQ students selected as mentors for this program play an essential role in supporting, motivating and inspiring students to set and achieve their personal and educational goals. YAP provides an opportunity to make a difference to individuals and the community.

To be eligible, you must:

Be enrolled in a UQ undergraduate program during the full time of your participation in the Program
Have at least 1 year remaining in your degree at the time of application (i.e. expected graduation no earlier than Semester 2, 2025)
Have completed at least one semester at UQ (full time or equivalent)
Be at least 18 yrs old at the start of your participation in the Program
Be able to obtain a Blue Card

Apply Now

Program time commitment & dates (2024 intake)*

* Minimum commitment of 1 year with the option to renew for a second year.

Event	Date
YAP Selection Afternoon	Monday, 16 September 2024 (2:00–4:00pm)
YAP Meet & Greet Evening	Tuesday, 22 October 2024 (4:00–6:00pm)
YAP Mentor Training	Monday, 18 November 2024
YAP Year 11 Residential Camp	Monday, 13 – Friday, 17 January 2025
YAP Mentor Phone Call Training	Tuesday 25 February 2025
YAP Monthly Phone Calls	6 (on campus) phone calls a year
UQ St Lucia Open Day	Sunday 3 August 2025 (8am–2pm) and 2026 (date TBC)
YAP Mentor Training	TBC
YAP Year 12 Residential Camp	TBC
YAP Phone Call Training Refresher	TBC

Mentors will also need to be available for other team meetings, events and debriefs as required.

What our current mentors say

Q. What have you found most rewarding about being a Young Achievers Program mentor?

Mentor Answers:

Understanding that I can make a positive difference
Forming friendships with mentees and mentors
Hearing the impact we had on students personally
I made some of the best friendships on camp with the entire mentor team
Inspiring others
The growth- watching people start off shy and scared and emerge into social butterflies is phenomenal
Connecting with the entire mentor and staff team; such a supportive and fun-loving team that really knows how to pull together and solve problems
Actually seeing that what you do and say can make a difference

The role of a YAP mentor

You will be a helpful and accessible point of contact for young achievers for up to two-years as well as being a:

positive role model, who will inspire students to develop their interpersonal, communication and service leadership skills
source of information, motivation and support on a regular basis
supervisor and activity facilitator during residential camps and open days, providing a safe environment and a rewarding experience for students to grow and learn.

Am I suited for this role?

Mentors are selected for the Young Achievers Program from a variety of study areas, geographic regions and backgrounds based on the following:

undergraduate students at UQ (aged 18–24 years by January 2025)
ability to obtain a Blue Card
openness and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences
ability to identify with young people from underrepresented groups
demonstration of excellent listening and communication skills and a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others
motivated, respectful and committed to an ongoing, long-term and meaningful mentoring relationship
passionate about leadership and teamwork and able to serve as a positive role model for young

Why should I apply?

Many benefits apply to becoming involved as a volunteer YAP mentor including the opportunity to:

inspire and make a difference in the lives of young people to achieve their ambitions and goals
participate in on-campus experiences for young achievers (camps, open days etc.)
develop your interpersonal, leadership, teamwork and communication skills while improving your resume
make many life-long friends who share your service commitment
receive recognition from UQ in a variety of ways including ongoing training and professional development, and team events.

Your time as a mentor will contribute towards the UQ Employability Award (employability.uq.edu.au/award),
which is a significant university award that will be highly regarded by future employers.