During her McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship at Anglicare WA, Elena Perse successfully applied for grants to support Anglicare WA's programs across the state.
The University of Western Australia student, studying a Bachelor of Arts (who is majoring in English and French) completed her 100-hour internship working closely with Anglicare WA's philanthropy team researching grant opportunities and creating applications for available grants.
“I applied for grants to support Anglicare WA's programs across the state, including the Albany Women's Centre, Headspace Pilbara, Foyer Oxford, Street Connect and Young Hearts programs which run in metro Perth.
“My work in applying for funding means that these programs will continue to run and provide vital services to their clients,” she said.
Bicton resident Ms Perse, 20, said the most rewarding part of her internship was seeing how much she had achieved.
“I have never been to the Pilbara, but I successfully applied for funding to support an RU OK Day event in Karratha. Knowing that my work has made a tangible difference was really rewarding.”
Ms Perse continued, “Gaining experience from this internship has helped me develop key skills such as professional writing, which has opened up more potential pathways for me to consider after I graduate.”
Tori Anderson, Director Philanthropy and Enterprise at Anglicare WA, said that Elena was "an absolute delight to work with", calling her "punctual, a fast learner and diligent".
“Elena has supported the development of the grants database and has also applied for multiple grants during her time with us.
“Every grant that is successful enables funding to support the community. Raising philanthropic income directly meets our philanthropic objectives. This enables funding to areas in the community which are most in need.”
Ms Anderson said, “Anglicare WA values the partnership with the McCusker Centre and the important opportunity to connect with Interns and provide them with a rich learning experience.”
More than 1,200 students have now undertaken their internship with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship contributing more than 133,500 hours in service to the community.
Director Michelle Scott said the overwhelming number of applications from students to participate in the internship program was a sign that young people were increasingly seeking opportunities to engage with and give back to their communities.
“It is clear UWA students have a great appetite for internships with a social purpose,” Ms Scott said. “They have seen the very practical way that their peers can contribute, even during the COVID-19 pandemic and want to do the same.”