10 October 2025 From campus to community: Future Leaders champion mental health, education and sustainability

In 2025, the Future Leader Scholarship programme celebrated its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of empowering students to make a difference in their communities. Unique to Lincoln, the programme continues to contribute to the University’s commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through student-led, community-focused projects. 

The programme is designed to support and develop students' leadership skills as they begin their tertiary studies in a Bachelor's degree programme at Lincoln University. Throughout their time studying for their degree, students contribute to both the University and the wider community, culminating in leading a project in their final year. 

Future Leader Programme Coordinator Ilse von Hirschberg reflects on the significance of the milestone and the enduring impact of the programme.

“The Future Leader Scholarship is unique in offering a structured development programme alongside a Bachelor’s degree. We see this programme as vital to our mission of meeting the critical needs of the land-based sectors by equipping students with the skills to lead positive change both locally and globally. 

“The students on this programme have the potential to become future leaders in their chosen career, and this programme gives them the confidence to achieve that while instilling in them the importance of being socially responsible and environmentally conscious.

“Looking back over 20 years, the programme’s success is largely due to the scholars themselves. They take ownership, are proud to be Future Leaders and understand the value of leading on campus and in the wider community,” shares Ilse.

The United Nations' SDGs form the foundation of the programme, guiding the purpose and direction of the student-led projects. In 2025, scholars focused on projects that aligned with sustainable farming, inclusive education and mental health and wellbeing. 

At this year’s annual Future Leader Awards, three standout initiatives were nominated as finalists for Best Project: Balanced Blokes, Pioneer Paddocks and Farm 2 Future. 

The winning project, Balanced Blokes, was led by third-year Future Leader scholars Alex McCorkindale and Levi Astle. They hosted a seminar for Year 12 school leaders from boys’ schools in Canterbury, focused on raising awareness of young men’s mental health. The event aimed to empower these emerging leaders with the tools and knowledge to champion mental health initiatives in their own school communities.  

Five speakers delivered sessions, each focusing on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, including Lincoln University Senior Lecturer Dan Smith. 

“Our speakers were incredible,” says Levi. “The day was about giving students practical tools and inspiration to promote mental wellbeing in their schools using the Five Ways to Wellbeing as a framework.”  

Future Leader scholars Anna Stuart and Troy Volman led Paddock Pioneers, hosting 25 primary school children from Linwood Ave School on one of Lincoln University’s farms. The goal was to introduce young learners to careers in agriculture, help them understand how their food is grown, and challenge the often-negative stereotypes associated with farming.

“We wanted to show farming in a positive light early in children’s lives. By giving them hands-on experiences, we hoped to spark interest in the food and fibre careers,” says Anna. 

The day featured five interactive learning modules covering the wool, dairy, livestock and sustainable practices. 

“We worked really hard to make this day happen. What made it extra special was that it was the first time such a young group of children had visited a Lincoln University farm.” 

Through her time as a Future Leader scholar, Anna has gained an understanding of the importance of aligning her work with SDGs.

“Future Leaders has helped me grow as a leader and learn to collaborate meaningfully with others. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of SDGs and how my studies and voluntary work with the Handy Landys and Lincoln University Student Volunteer Army contribute to these goals, especially in supporting farmers and rural communities,” says Anna. 

Caption for image in story: Balanced Blokes was led by third-year Future Leader scholars (from left to right) Alex McCorkindale and Levi Astle.

Main image caption: Congratulations to all those who were recognised for their hard work at the Future Leaders Awards evening.