Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Growing up in a small country town, Jake dreamed of a career in science or mathematics. But once he started university, his savings soon drained away. Even living in a share house, using public transport, and surviving on porridge and dried noodles, he could barely afford his course materials.
Money had always been tight for his family, so he couldn’t turn to them. In desperation, Jake applied for a Shaping Futures Scholarship, which proved lifechanging. It helped him with essential costs and gave him the chance to focus on his studies.
Today, Jake is doing something that he “absolutely loves”. Teaching mathematics and science in a rural high school, where he uses his skills, talent and empathy to support his students.
Jake’s story shows the extraordinary impact a Shaping Futures Scholarship can make, not just for determined students like him, but for all the people they go on to help.
Learn more: newcastle.edu.au/shaping-futures
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/TheUniversityofNewcastleAustralia
Instagram: instagram.com/uni_newcastle
TikTok: tiktok.com/@uni_newcastle
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/university-of-newcastle
CRICOS provider code: 00109J
Growing up in a small country town, Jake dreamed of a career in science or mathematics. But once he started university, his savings soon drained away. Even living in a share house, using public transport, and surviving on porridge and dried noodles, he could barely afford his course materials.
Money had always been tight for his family, so he couldn’t turn to them. In desperation, Jake applied for a Shaping Futures Scholarship, which proved lifechanging. It helped him with essential costs and gave him the chance to focus on his studies.
Today, Jake is doing something that he “absolutely loves”. Teaching mathematics and science in a rural high school, where he uses his skills, talent and empathy to support his students.
Jake’s story shows the extraordinary impact a Shaping Futures Scholarship can make, not just for determined students like him, but for all the people they go on to help.
Learn more: newcastle.edu.au/shaping-futures
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/TheUniversityofNewcastleAustralia
Instagram: instagram.com/uni_newcastle
TikTok: tiktok.com/@uni_newcastle
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/university-of-newcastle
CRICOS provider code: 00109J
