As schools emerged from the COVID lockdowns, Billy Blackett saw a universal problem – students were struggling with the impacts of the pandemic on their learning.
He turned his entrepreneurial and altruistic spirit to the problem. What was a practical, affordable and effective way to provide meaningful support to students who needed a hand?
At the time Billy was 18 and had just started his Bachelor of Economics at the University of Tasmania.
With a desire to make a positive contribution and support students whatever their stage of learning, Billy founded two businesses – Milestone Mentoring and Affordable Tutoring Tasmania, both of which work alongside not-for-profits to promote positive learning outcomes for young people.
His tutoring platform now has more than 50 tutors, most of them aged between 18 and 25, available to support students both in-person and online at any stage from primary school through to Years 11 and 12.
Billy is Tasmania’s 2024 Rhodes Scholar and next year he will study a Masters in Education at Oxford University, focusing on digital and social change.
“I’ve had a lot of support to help me to get where I am and now I’m really excited about soaking up everything I can from Oxford, shadowing some really good people and then bringing that knowledge back to Tasmania to assist in making a difference to the lives of young people here,” he said.
“We have so many wonderful educators within this state that are dedicated to supporting children and young people.
“While there are many uncertainties surrounding the impact of technology in schooling, I am confident that our state is prepared to harness the great opportunities available in this space.
My hope is to build more knowledge in the area of digital learning at Oxford and to play my part in ensuring that all young people can have the best learning experience.”
The Rhodes Scholarship will provide Billy with two years at Oxford. He plans to complete the Masters in Education in the first year and is considering a Masters in Comparative Social Policy for his second year.
Billy grew up in the Huon Valley, in a home with where the norm was supporting both adults and children wherever they were in their learning journey.
He attended Glen Huon Primary School, St Aloysius College and was awarded a Community Scholarship to The Hutchins School for Years 11 and 12.
Through his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Tasmania he has taken up opportunities for mentorship and corporate experience with internships at various businesses in Tasmania, including Hydro Tasmania, Deloitte Acccess Economics and The Project Lab.
Two other young Tasmanians have been nominated for the Australia-at-large Rhodes Scholarships, which have not yet been awarded.
They are Heath Dimsey (University of Tasmania) and Lilli Ireland (Australian National University).