24 June 2011
Leigh puts roof over Mexican poor
Next month, RMIT University student Leigh Cox will arrive in Mexico City, where he will volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, building houses for disadvantaged groups while completing part of his degree.
Leigh Cox - off to Mexico City, thanks to an RMIT scholarship.
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Mr Cox, who is studying for a Bachelor of Social Science (Policy and Research) and who has volunteered on many projects throughout his studies, will travel to Mexico thanks to an RMIT Travel Equity Grant.
"I'm on a low income, and I don't live with my parents, so I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go overseas without a scholarship," he said.
Mr Cox's volunteer work is another reason to support the RMIT Annual Appeal, which is raising money to help disadvantaged students realise their potential.
Last year, 1,783 scholarships were awarded to disadvantaged students, valued at more than $7 million.
But each year a further 3,000 students at RMIT face serious socio-economic disadvantage, which can interfere with their ability to study.
The RMIT Annual Appeal gives the University community and the public the opportunity to donate to access and equity scholarships.
All money raised goes directly to scholarships that help disadvantaged students at RMIT access tertiary education, study abroad, participate in research, or take part in community development.
This year's Appeal was launched on 1 June and many RMIT staff, alumni, friends and members of the public have already chosen to give.
RMIT has a long history of philanthropy - the university began in 1882 as the Working Men's College, and was founded on a gift of £5,000 donated by Francis Ormond, which was matched by the people of Melbourne. RMIT launched the first Annual Appeal in 2008.
"I've never been overseas by myself before," Mr Cox said. "When I come back I hope to see Australia with fresh eyes.
"It will give me a deeper understanding of international policy development, which I hope puts me in a good position when it comes to getting a job."
Support global learning
You can help students like Mr Cox by donating to the 2011 Annual Appeal. 100 per cent of your donation will go directly to access and equity scholarships, which can help students travel overseas.
