Adam Scott Foundation Youth Opportunities Scholarship Winner Announced!

20 May 2021 / Schools, Students, Supporters

Eighteen-year-old Sophie McDougall of Kapunda has had her hard work recognised when she was recently awarded the 2021 Adam Scott Foundation Youth Opportunities Scholarship. The scholarship is a fully funded tertiary education scholarship up to the value of $75,000 to support her pursuit of becoming an Occupational Therapist (OT).


Since she was 15 years old, Sophie has worked part time whilst juggling schoolwork to help support her family, after her mum suffered a permanent spinal injury. Now 18, Sophie hopes by attending University and becoming an OT, that she can support the rehabilitation of others in the community and allow them to live their best lives.


“After year 10, and completing my Personal Leadership Program with Youth Opportunities, I felt a desire to work harder and achieve more. I used the tools I had learnt throughout the program to build better relationships with my teachers and was able to strive for higher results” said Sophie.


The full tertiary scholarship was open to SA high school graduates who have undertaken the Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program, were experiencing financial or other hardship, and demonstrated a strong commitment to their education.


This is the third year that prominent golfer Adam Scott, originally from South Australia, has partnered with Youth Opportunities to offer a full University Scholarship to Personal Leadership Program graduates up the value of $75,000.


After an intensive review process, Sophie was chosen from a field of impressive candidates from across regional and metropolitan South Australia.


Erin Faehrmann, Chief Executive of Youth Opportunities, says Sophie stood out because of her passion for pursuing a career to help her community, and her resilience and achievements despite multiple barriers.


“The selection committee were so impressed with Sophie’s personal leadership – she demonstrated confidence, resilience, motivation and commitment to her goals. This scholarship will remove the burden of debt for Sophie and her family and allow her to confidently pursue her career as an occupational therapist” said Erin.


Adam Scott Foundation General Manager, Geoff Hall said, “Once again it is always a most difficult task to select students for our annual scholarship with Youth Opportunities. We are pleased Sophie was successful and congratulate her.


“I was very impressed with all of the students that we shortlisted this year. They showed a maturity and self-confidence well beyond their years, and we congratulate Youth Opportunities on their guidance and the programs they undertake with young people. It certainly is building all of their students to be great people.”

Categories: Schools, Students, Supporters