Rural Indigenous students given a taste of university life
Indigenous high school students from regional New South Wales have travelled to the University of Western Sydney for an in-depth look at university life at a special four day event designed to open their eyes to the opportunities available to help them chase their dreams.
The high school students came from schools as far away as Coonabarabran and Scone, and for some of then it was their first visit to Sydney, giving them the perfect chance to explore their many options once they finish high school.
Over the course of the week the high school students met with Elders, Indigenous students and academic staff to hear about the variety of courses available at UWS and the opportunities for them to live on campus.
Manager of UWS Schools Engagement Anne McLean says the trip is the perfect opportunity for students to have their questions answered so they can go back home and plan for life after school.
“Many students from regional parts of the state often don’t consider tertiary education simply because there aren’t any universities near their home,” says Ms McLean.
“What we wanted to do is open their eyes to options they may not have considered, and show them how they can chart a path from their favourite subjects at school to applying and attending university to then moving into the career of their dreams.”
Ms McLean says UWS is committed to increasing university participation for Indigenous students.
“The University of Western Sydney offers a variety of educational programs and services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through their studies,” Ms McLean says.
“This program is the perfect opportunity for these high school students to ask our Elders and Indigenous students about the support and opportunities UWS offers, not just in tertiary education but culturally as well.”
Activities over the four day event included:
- A Natural Sciences workshop and Reptiles visit
- Workshops in Engineering & Robotics
- Motivational talk from current Penrith Panthers NRL players
- A tour of the MuruMittigar Aboriginal Cultural Education Centre
- Workshops in law, business, policing, teaching, nursing, sports and exercise science and traditional art
Schools attending the event included:
- Coonabarabran High
- Gulargambone Central School
- Rutherford Technology High
- Kurri Kurri High School
- Singleton High School
- Scone High School
- Muswellbrook High School
- Hunter River High School
Ends
2 December 2013
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