What’s happening?
Students from Mackay and surrounding towns are stepping out of their regular classrooms and into one of Queensland’s most prestigious youth programs—QUT’s Future You Summit. Running from 1 to 4 July in Brisbane, the summit brings together more than 340 of the state’s brightest Year 11 and 12 students for a transformative, career-building university experience.
Attendees check into Somerville House on 30 June for orientation before taking part in workshops, industry panels, and campus life activities across QUT’s Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove sites.
Why it matters
For regional students, experiences like this bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity. Through project-based learning and early mentorship, the summit fosters leadership, confidence and direction for life beyond high school.
“This is the 13th year of the QUT Future You Summit,” said Professor Rowena Barrett, QUT’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Entrepreneurship and Regional Innovation). “It gives high school students the opportunity to expand their skill sets beyond the classroom, explore future career ambitions with like-minded peers, and experience the QUT community.”
Local Impact
Mackay is one of several Central Queensland areas sending representatives to the summit. Local participants include students from:
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Holy Spirit College
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Mirani State High School
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Mackay Northern Beaches State High School
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Whitsunday Anglican School
They are part of the 28-student Central Queensland cohort, which also includes students from Biloela, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, and Banana.
“It’s wonderful to see the connections that are made during the week,” Professor Barrett said. “And we get to see many of them again, once they finish high school.”
By the Numbers
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28 students from Central Queensland, including Mackay
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341 students selected from 165 schools
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69% of participants are female
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105 of QUT’s current first-year students previously attended this summit
Zoom In
Fields explored during the summit include climate science, privacy law, fashion, industrial design, and astrophysics. Students also receive a copy of Inspired Success by QUT graduate Rashan Senanayake, where they’ll log their personal reflections and goals.
Zoom Out
The Future You Summit is a fully-funded program by QUT, designed to empower future leaders—especially those from regional and underrepresented areas.
What to Look For Next?
Mackay students who attend the summit often return to QUT after graduation. “It really does give them a chance to see their future and get a head start,” said Professor Barrett.
