Staying engaged in school can be the difference between ongoing hardship and long-term opportunity for young people facing disadvantage. Education, combined with mentorship and stable support, is widely recognised as one of the strongest protective factors in a child’s life.
In South East Queensland, that principle is driving a broader effort to strengthen pathways for vulnerable students. SunnyKids has expanded its education-focused support by integrating Altitude Scholarships into its organisation, creating a more comprehensive model that links crisis care with long-term academic opportunity.
Altitude Scholarships, which provides financial assistance, mentoring and practical guidance to disadvantaged students, will continue operating as a dedicated program within SunnyKids. The move allows the scholarship initiative to retain its core focus while drawing on SunnyKids’ established governance, infrastructure and community networks.
SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope said education plays a central role in breaking cycles of disadvantage.
“Education is one of the most powerful protective factors in a young person’s life. By bringing Altitude Scholarships into SunnyKids, we are strengthening our ability to walk alongside children and young people not only through crisis, but into a future defined by opportunity and achievement,” Hope said.
She said the integration is designed to strengthen continuity and sustainability.
“This integration ensures continuity for current students and families, while expanding the depth of support available to them. It also enables us to grow the program sustainably and extend its reach to more young people who would benefit from educational assistance and mentorship.”
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Altitude Scholarships has built a reputation for helping students remain engaged in education and pursue further study or career pathways. The program combines financial support with one-on-one mentoring, addressing both practical and personal barriers to learning.
Chairman of Altitude Scholarships Andrew Pierpoint described the move as a natural progression.
“From the outset, Altitude Scholarships has been focused on giving young people the opportunity to thrive through education. Becoming part of SunnyKids allows us to amplify that impact,” Pierpoint said.
“Our students will continue to receive the scholarships and mentoring they rely on, with the added benefit of SunnyKids’ established networks and wraparound support services. Together, we can support more young people to realise their potential.”
School leaders say targeted financial support can have immediate and lasting effects. Noosa District State High School Principal Stacy Wilmore said scholarships often remove barriers that prevent full participation in school life.
“These scholarships provide practical support that removes barriers and enables students to fully engage in their learning and broader school experience. For many families, this funding makes opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach possible. It is incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence and aspiration through a program that recognises their potential and invests in their future.”
Current scholarship recipients will continue to receive their funding and mentoring without disruption.
Ritchelle is Content Team Manager at Akolade, producing stories for Australia's not-for-profit sector at Third Sector.
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