QCoal Foundation

Scholarship recipient sets up his future options

The 2020 QCoal Foundation Scholarship was awarded to former Bowen State High School student Patrick Jurgens.

Patrick commenced a Bachelor of Advanced Science at James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville in 2020 and graduated from Bowen State High School in 2019.

In applying for the Scholarship, Patrick clearly demonstrated his understanding of regional communities and his interest in living and working in those communities in the future.

“Post-graduation I hope to find employment within the mining industry and, as I would have to relocate to a more remote area, I would aim to become a prominent member of the community and support local community events,” Patrick said.

On receiving the news of the Scholarship, Patrick confirmed that the support would mean an increased focus on his studies without as many financial worries.

“This scholarship is helping me ease into my studies and life at university,” he said.

Each year the QCoal Foundation awards a $30,000 scholarship to a regional or remote Queensland student to study at JCU.  Applications are received from a wide range of candidates from across regional and remote Queensland with priority given to those who clearly demonstrate a strong desire to give back to regional communities after graduation.

Eligible students must be due to start their first year of an undergraduate degree in any discipline, or in their second year of an Earth Science or Geology degree.

The QCoal Foundation Scholarship was established in partnership with JCU in 2015 to support talented students from regional and remote communities to access tertiary study by relieving some of the additional financial burden placed on students moving from regional and remote communities.  By providing a multi-year scholarship commitment the QCoal Foundation Scholarship allows recipients to focus on their tertiary education and to give back to regional communities after graduation.  To date scholarships and bursaries have been awarded across a wide field of study including medicine, geology, veterinary science, engineering, dentistry and advanced science.