La Trobe University has strengthened its commitment to youth development and community engagement for the Aspire Early Offer Program – Community Impact stream by renewing its alliance with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia.
The official signing ceremony took place at the University’s Bundoora campus on Thursday 28 August 2025, marking a decade-long partnership between the two organisations. Since 2015, the Duke of Ed has been a valued partner of La Trobe’s Aspire Program, which recognises school students for their community service, leadership and extracurricular achievements as part of their early entry pathway into university.
This renewed agreement provides an opportunity for La Trobe to reaffirm its partnership and celebrate the positive impact the program continues to have on aspiring university students.
The ceremony brought together leaders from both organisations, including Peter Kaye AM ESM, Chief Executive Officer of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, and Erin Martin, State Manager for Victoria. Representing La Trobe University were Dr Stacey Farraway, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Future Growth), and Alex Sims, Director of Sales and Customer Experience (Domestic Student Recruitment & Conversions). Also in attendance was Aniqua Hollingworth and Veronica Smith La Trobe student ambassadors and Duke of Ed alumni, who shared their experiences of using the Duke of Ed Framework and its role in shaping their journey to university.
Following a formal signing and photo opportunity, guests joined La Trobe staff for a networking lunch at Glenn Dining Hall before touring the campus to see firsthand the facilities and learning environment that support the Aspire community.
The renewed alliance underscores La Trobe’s ongoing commitment to recognising and rewarding the positive impact young people make in their schools and communities.
For further information on La Trobe Univeristy’s Aspire Early Offer Program – Community Impact stream: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire/community-impact
To discover the Duke of Ed’s Tertiary Partners and how they recognise Duke of Ed achievements: https://dukeofed.com.au/support-it/partners/tertiary-partnership/
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