Through your donation you’ll be giving Lulu and others like her hope for their future.
You’re doing so much more than providing a deserving student with financial support. For a care leaver like Lulu, it can be the first time they’ve felt someone believes in their potential.
Facts and figures
Empowers students
Empowers students to hit the ground running at university – covering essential start-up costs like textbooks and laptops, so they’re equipped to succeed from day one.
$150
Keeps students focused
Keeps students focused on their studies by easing the pressure of living expenses and accommodation costs – so they’re not forced to choose between learning and making ends meet.
$500
Helps ease the barrier of distance
Helps ease the barrier of distance, covering relocation and travel costs – opening the door to university for students no matter where they live.
$1K
Tax-deductible donation
Of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to support students like Lulu.
2025 marks a major milestone for Lulu – her graduation year.
At just seven years old, a caring staff member at school recognised that Lulu and her younger sister were in need of help.
From that moment, life changed dramatically. The sisters could no longer live with their parents, and with no one able to care for both of them, they were separated.
In the early years, Lulu moved through a series of temporary care arrangements until she was eventually able to live with her aunt, providing some stability through the remainder of primary school.
But by the time she was in high school, Lulu was placed in the care of a different aunt and uncle.
After finishing high school, Lulu transitioned out of home care and moved between different respite carers before becoming fully independent at just 19.
She worked in part-time jobs to support herself, all whilst keeping higher education in her sights.“Growing up in out of home care comes with challenges that don’t end when you turn 18,” she says. “The emotional and financial burden became increasingly overwhelming…I felt so lost and helpless.”
Until recently, when the laws changed, state guardianship and formal care arrangements would abruptly end at 18, leaving young people vulnerable to homelessness, unemployment and poor educational outcomes.
Pictured left, Lulu receiving her ATAR score, top right, Lulu and her sister with their respite carer, Effie, bottom right, Lulu's first day at high school.
No matter how hard I tried, without support, I kept coming up against barriers I couldn't break through. I felt like my dream of studying at university was slipping out of my reach.” - Lulu
For Lulu, education was more than just a means to a job; it became her hope, and her path to independence.
She began her studies in a Bachelor of Arts at another university, but without a stable living situation and having to balance work and study, it was extremely challenging.
Lulu was about to give up. Then she discovered Monash University’s Achieving Potential Scholarship for students leaving care.
She applied immediately and when she was accepted, everything changed. The support it offered her gave her the stability and encouragement she needed to keep going.
“For many young people with care experience, university can feel impossible,” Lulu explains. “Financial pressure, instability, and lack of support create real barriers. Scholarships help to change that.”
Studying at Monash
With her scholarship, Lulu was able to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University – a decision that aligned perfectly with her talent for numbers. She knew this course would equip her with the knowledge she needed to become financially secure, and give her the skills to build a more stable future for herself.
Lulu is so grateful to the Monash staff, alumni and donors who have supported her journey.
"It’s not just financial support,” Lulu reflects. “It's helped me to transition into independence, to remain in university, and to feel supported. It helped me focus on healing, rather than just surviving.
“The Achieving Potential Scholarship is helping me build a future I once believed was beyond my reach.”
The future's looking bright for Lulu – thanks to people like you.
2025 marks a major milestone – her graduation year. The journey has been filled with challenges, but Lulu’s hard work and commitment to her future has brought her to this important moment.
Now, as she applies for graduate roles, Lulu is ready to take everything she’s learned and make a meaningful impact in her chosen field.
The road ahead is bright – and it’s all thanks to the generosity of people like you.
Lulu would like to share a personal thank you to all the people who supported her by donating to Monash’s scholarship program.
“Your donation provides more than just financial support – it sends a message that your background does not define your future, and that your potential is recognised, valued, and worth investing in. For students like me, it changes everything.
"I never want someone to give up on their future and their dreams because they don't have any support to get there. That's my wish for others in a similar situation, that they have that support."
“Thank you. For me, the Achieving Potential Scholarship has been life-changing.”
Please donate to help break down the barriers that stand between talented students from all walks of life – and a life-changing education.
Give monthly and Monash will match your gift – doubling the impact of your generosity.
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible alumni and donor community, Monash has received over 46,000 gifts in just over a decade – empowering 1,400 students facing disadvantage with life-changing scholarships. Read their inspiring stories.
"I was fortunate to be able to attend Monash as an undergraduate and postgraduate student, and take advantage of the opportunities that my education has provided. By being part of the Monash giving community, I’m providing others with the chance to thrive.” Melanie
"I believe when one is able, one gives."
"As a Monash alumnus, I believe when one is able, one gives. I've seen how education can quietly change not just one person's path, but the people and systems around them." Teck
"Monash was a breakthrough experience."
"I come from an English working class family with little money and few educational opportunities. My intelligent father won a scholarship to grammar school in England but the family needed his working income as a 14 year old so he could not accept it. I was the first member of my family to graduate from university… Monash was a breakthrough experience for me." Margaret
TOGETHER, WE ARE CREATING CHANGE
From scholarships to enriched student experiences, our donors have empowered the next generation to thrive. Learn more about the impact of giving to Monash.
At just seven years old, a caring staff member at school recognised that Lulu and her younger sister were in need of help.
