PORT Macquarie’s Jorja Schofield has received the 2026 Audi Foundation–CEF Community Champion Alumni Award for her educational achievements and community contributions.
The award was presented on 9 October at a Country Education Foundation luncheon at NSW Parliament House.
Jorja, a University of Newcastle biomedical science student, attended with her mother alongside regional award recipients.
Her volunteering includes founding Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Club, a nonprofit providing free science workshops for young girls in Port Macquarie.
For Jorja, the recognition meant more than the glass trophy and $250 prize.
“I think I opened a lot of people’s eyes as well,” she told News Of The Area.
People may see her achievements without understanding the barriers she has overcome.
Jorja, who has autism and dyslexia, said she comes from a low socioeconomic background and is the first in her family to attend university.
Her mother has lived with multiple sclerosis since the age of 21, inspiring Jorja’s ambition to pursue research into the condition.
Jorja recalled being told by a psychologist when she was younger that she might not be able to live independently.
Now completing her biomedical science degree in Newcastle, she plans to undertake honours next year.
“I find if I get told I can’t do something, I will do it,” she said.
Support from the Hastings Education Fund and university scholarships has helped her pursue her studies away from home.
Meeting regional recipients was a highlight of the experience.
Jorja said the regional students shared a sense of being out-of-place in unfamiliar surroundings.
The award has encouraged her to keep volunteering and consider the future of Girls in STEM Club.
She encourages other young people to apply for scholarships and awards even when they doubt their chances.
“Because the worst that can happen is you get no and that’s it,” she said.
Her guiding principle when facing setbacks is to consider whether her younger self would be proud of what she has achieved.
By Rasa KABAILA
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
