A young Indigenous woman from Cairns has taken a monumental step towards her future, graduating from a landmark university program designed to empower the next generation of First Nations leaders.
From Program Participant to Aspiring Legal Advocate
Shaylah McCulkin, a proud Yidinji and Kuku Yalanji woman, is one of the first graduates from James Cook University's innovative Indigenous Future Leaders Program. The 18-year-old recently completed the intensive, week-long course at the university's Cairns campus, which is specifically tailored for Year 11 and 12 Indigenous students with high academic potential.
The program, a collaborative effort between JCU and the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF), is more than just a university experience. It is a comprehensive initiative that combines academic workshops, cultural connection, and personal development. Ms McCulkin described the program as "life-changing," providing her with clarity and confidence about her path forward.
"Before the program, I was a bit unsure about what I wanted to do," Ms McCulkin shared. "But being surrounded by other Indigenous students who are also driven and want to make a difference was incredibly motivating. It solidified my goals."
Building a Foundation for Success
The Indigenous Future Leaders Program is meticulously designed to prepare students for tertiary education and leadership roles. Participants engage in university-level tutorials, attend career planning sessions, and connect with Indigenous academics and professionals who serve as mentors and role models.
For Shaylah, the experience has cemented her ambition to study law. She aims to use a legal career to advocate for her community and drive positive change, particularly in areas affecting Indigenous Australians. Her participation in the program has given her a practical understanding of university life and the support systems available to her.
"It showed me that university is an achievable goal," she said. "Meeting Indigenous lecturers and hearing their stories made it real. They've walked the same path, and they're there to support us."
A Broader Impact on Indigenous Education
The success of students like Shaylah McCulkin highlights the critical importance of targeted outreach and support programs in bridging the educational gap for Indigenous youth. The JCU and AIEF program addresses key barriers to higher education by providing early exposure, demystifying university processes, and fostering a strong sense of cultural identity and belonging.
University representatives emphasised that the program's goal is to build a pipeline of talented Indigenous students who will go on to become leaders in their chosen fields, whether in law, health, science, or business. By investing in these young leaders today, the initiative aims to create long-term benefits for communities across Far North Queensland and beyond.
Shaylah's journey is a powerful testament to the program's impact. From a hesitant student contemplating her future, she has emerged with a clear vision and the tools to pursue it. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but serves as an inspiration for other young Indigenous students in Cairns and regional areas, proving that with the right support and opportunity, their aspirations are within reach.
As she prepares to finish high school and apply for university, Shaylah McCulkin stands as a beacon of what is possible. Her graduation from the Indigenous Future Leaders Program is not an endpoint, but a promising beginning.
