For many high school students, the journey through mathematics can feel daunting, especially for young females and those from underrepresented backgrounds. The AMSI Yuille-Umbers Scholarships are reshaping that experience, offering financial support and powerful community of mentors, peers, and opportunities.
Over the past year, the program has played a pivotal role in the academic and personal development of students including Mia Costa and Natalie Shimona, who credit the scholarship with helping them navigate the challenges of VCE mathematics and empowering them to see a future in the mathematical sciences.
“The Yuille-Umbers Scholarship has greatly helped in gaining confidence to pursue higher level mathematics,” says Mia. “It provided immense academic and emotional support, strengthening my faith in my abilities and motivating me to take on Units 3&4 General alongside Methods and Specialist.”
For Natalie, having a mentor through the program was a game-changer:
“Having a mentor through this scholarship has allowed me to discuss the challenges I face in my studies, such as workload and burnout, and how to manage them.”
But it’s not just about solving equations or improving test scores. The Yuille-Umbers Scholarships are creating space for young people to see themselves in the world of mathematics and to realise that careers in STEM aren’t one-size-fits-all.
“Being a part of the Yuille-Umbers cohort has broadened my perspective on mathematical careers,” Mia shares. “I used to believe that careers in maths were solely limited to STEM-based fields. However, after watching the webinars available, I realised that math-related careers can be found everywhere – in commerce, in tech, even in psychology – the career opportunities in mathematics are endless.”
This broader view is reinforced by the voices and experience of mentors including Mikaela Westlake, an AMSI alumni who joined the program to give back to a community that shaped her own path.
“It’s the type of support I would have appreciated at the same age,” Mikaela reflects. “Mentoring has been fun! Mia and I meet regularly and talk about everything—from careers to the daily challenges of study. It’s really positive, and I’m excited to see what Mia does next.”
Mikaela believes the mentorship has already had a clear impact on her scholar’s confidence and clarity about future goals.
“Mia now feels more assured that she’s on the right path. As someone already working in the field she’s interested in, I’ve been able to offer insights into what the journey might look like, and that kind of guidance can be incredibly powerful.”
And the impact flows both ways. Mikaela notes that participating in the program has reaffirmed her own sense of purpose and leadership in STEM.
As both scholars and mentors agree, diversity in mathematics means more than representation—it means richer ideas, wider perspectives, and a stronger future for the field. The AMSI Yuille-Umbers Scholarships are building a culture of inclusion and possibility.
“To any young women thinking about applying, my advice is: go for it. It’s a worthwhile opportunity that will support you in ways you might not expect,” Natalie says.
Mia adds, “I’ve never been more grateful for an opportunity. The mentorship, financial support, and community have all made a real impact on my academics, and on my vision for the future.”
Applications open Friday 15 August 2025 for the next round of scholars. Click here to learn more.
