High School Students Fast Forward to their dream jobs

School students across Greater Western Sydney who may not have considered higher education due to a lack of exposure to university through their friends and family are preparing to learn more about tertiary life thanks to the University of Western Sydney’s Widening Participation program, Fast Forward.

The UWS Fast Forward program, a ground-breaking initiative recently featured in TIME magazine (opens in a new window), reaches out to students from across the region to show them the wide range of courses to help them secure the job of their dreams.

Since its inception in 2004 the program has continued to expand across the Greater Western Sydney region, and over the past four years has doubled in size to now include students from more than 50 local high schools.

On 16 May, Year 10 students from Penrith area high schools will travel to the University of Western Sydney for their annual on-campus experience to learn more about university life.

“So many high school students have the potential to excel at higher education but because they aren’t aware of the processes involved or the pathways to higher education, they simply don’t consider it as an option,” says the Manager of the Fast Forward Program Jim Micsko.

“UWS is committed to making sure these students don’t slip through the cracks, and programs such as Fast Forward help demystify the university experience to ensure everyone in Greater Western Sydney who wants to experience university study feels they are able to take their place at university.”

For the Year 10 students from the Penrith area high schools who will visit UWS in May, it won’t be the first time they’ve set foot inside the university.

The students have already been given their first taste of university life in Year 9, and will build on their knowledge by learning more about the enrolment process and facilities and courses at UWS.

The high school students will once again be given time to speak to current students to hear firsthand about the ins and outs of life as a university student, and how to make the most of the opportunities for success provided to them through their participation in Fast Forward.

Schools participating in the Fast Forward program on 16 May are McCarthy Catholic College, Blaxland High School, Chifley College Mount Druitt, Erskine Park High School and Windsor High School.

Ends

8 May 2014

Contact: Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer