{"id":56211,"date":"2026-02-06T11:24:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T00:24:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/?p=56211"},"modified":"2026-02-09T13:59:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T02:59:59","slug":"student-experience-grants-a-year-of-student-led-innovation-and-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/student-experience-grants-a-year-of-student-led-innovation-and-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Experience Grants: A year of student-led innovation and impact"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From cooking confidence to cyber networking, student-led projects are reshaping the university experience – one idea at a time.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2025 marked the exciting launch of La Trobe\u2019s Student Experience Grants<\/a>, a program designed to empower students to turn their ideas into reality and create meaningful change. The first year was nothing short of inspiring, with student-led projects transforming spaces, building community and tackling real challenges faced by La Trobe students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at four standout projects…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cook It Up \u2013 Building confidence in the kitchen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many students living on campus or out-of-home for the first time, cooking can feel intimidating. Enter Cook It Up, led by Monty, Shubhi and Niharika, which delivered two fully booked, chef-led (thank you Chef David Prior!) workshops teaching students how to prepare dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice and handmade pasta. Beyond the delicious meals, the project fostered connection and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Participant quotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI\u2019ve never cooked a full dish before. This workshop made me feel so confident.\u201d \u2013 Vibhi<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIt felt like a family meal, I met people I wouldn\u2019t normally talk to.\u201d \u2013 Belle<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe chef made everything feel simple. I actually want to cook now.\u201d \u2013 Ira<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The legacy continues with a digital toolkit of recipes and videos, ensuring all students can benefit from this initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LinkUp in Cyber \u2013 Fast Chats, Real Connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Student Chapter leadership team, led by Mary George, created LinkUp in Cyber – a speed networking event connecting students with 33 industry professionals. With both on-campus and online formats, the project gave students rare access to career insights and mentorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Participant quotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIt was inspiring to hear how others got started in cybersecurity\u2014it made me feel like I\u2019m on the right path.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was reassuring to hear that even experienced professionals face imposter syndrome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne thing I took away is that there\u2019s no single path to success in cybersecurity. You just have to start somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The event drew 68 students and sparked ongoing engagement through LinkedIn and raising the profile WiCyS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LMS 101 \u2013 Making learning systems less scary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Navigating a Learning Management System (LMS) can be overwhelming for new students. Min, Quinn, Jacy, Caroline, Meganne and Ishan, tackled this head-on with LMS 101, creating short, friendly videos featuring ‘Eddie’, a relatable student guide. Check it out here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Student feedback:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe content felt clear and less scary.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The project aims to reduce confusion and anxiety in the crucial first weeks of semester. While early reach is promising (~600 views), the real impact will shine in 2026 when the content is embedded into enrolment and orientation webpages and systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Queer Lounge Revamp \u2013 A space for belonging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Queer Lounge at Melbourne Campus had fallen into disrepair but thanks to Mark, Annalise and the La Trobe Queer Club, it\u2019s now a vibrant, welcoming hub for LGBTQIA+ students. Through working bees, decor upgrades and a joyful reopening event, the lounge has become a home for weekly meet-ups and sparked ideas for expanding queer community support to other campuses, with the establishment of the Bendigo Queer Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Student quotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThere was definitely a major improvement in the vibes of meet-ups\u2026 way more relaxed in the twinkling fairy lights rather than harsh fluorescents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter the refurbishment, the lounge became so much cozier, warmer, and much more welcoming. 10\/10, would visit for a short break or a hang-out.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Why it matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Across these projects, the numbers tell a powerful story:<\/p>\n\n\n\n