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University: University of Western Australia
Lead Researcher: Louise Pollard
Funding Round: 2015
Funding Received: $184,073
The Adding to the Pipeline project addressed the gap in the awareness and aspiration of low SES students to study STEM subjects at university. Numeracy workshops for early secondary school students were conducted in metropolitan and regional areas to link numeracy skills development with enhanced career options. Accompanying activities and resources were produced, and professional development workshops facilitated with representatives from partner schools.
University: Flinders University
Lead Researcher: Peter Torjul
Funding Received: $219,877
This project developed a flexible higher education admissions pathway and selection process for low SES students based on their aptitude for university study. The program was delivered to Year 11 and Year 12 students through on-campus and in-school events, including regional and remote centres. Activities were based around: problem solving; oral presentations; experimental/lab simulations; written assessment reports; multimedia activities; case studies; games; and group discussions.
University: Southern Cross University
Lead Researcher: Geoff Woolcott
Funding Received: $140,000
This project built on the mathematics capability of low SES students in regional and remote universities by improving access to mathematics resources based on students’ own rates and levels of learning. The project delivered a set of interactive modules as an online learning system to be used singly or together in a MOOC. Further innovations and improvements included enabling point-of-contact feedback.
University: University of New South Wales
Lead Researcher: Ann Jardine
Funding Received: $173,460
This project built computer literacies in teachers and upper primary school students in regional and remote areas. A course was developed for teacher skills in computer literacies; age-appropriate educational materials were developed for students; and at least one teacher at each participating school was nominated as a “champion”. Resources developed through the project were provided as open source material on the UNSW ASPIRE website.
University: RMIT University
Lead Researcher: Victoria Smith
Funding Round: 2016
Funding Received: $194,646
This project built regional secondary students’ awareness, aspiration and preparedness for higher education through innovative digital methods of engagement to demystify transition issues and daily student life, and provide opportunities for direct engagement with current students. Stakeholder engagement was achieved through: consultation with school careers advisors and staff; interactive workshops; campus tour videos; video conferences; and a dedicated website with resources for students and teachers.
University: University of Newcastle
Lead Researcher: Peter Howley
Funding Received: $161,151
A suite of research-informed digital media resources was created, evaluated and disseminated to enable students from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in a range of STEM and health sciences degrees. A focus of this project was to enable access to these resources for low SES and culturally diverse students in regional and remote locations, with the aim of increasing access and reducing attrition in STEM degrees.
Funding Received: $174,405
The project delivered an e-mentoring scheme with two regional/remote partner schools in the UNSW ASPIRE program designed to develop the higher education aspirations of low socioeconomic status Year 8 and 9 students. Mentors and mentees discussed career-related topics over six online sessions to promote knowledge of post-school education and career options, as well as providing firsthand insights into the university experience.
University: University of Technology Sydney
Lead Researcher: Melissa Ronca
Funding Round: 2014
Funding Received: $211,820
This project piloted a ‘cyclical’ (multiple touch point) program to build interest and aspiration in STEM study and career pathways for female high school students at metropolitan and regional low SES schools. Female role models currently studying engineering and IT at university engaged participants through school visits, on-campus days, and industry connect sessions to demystify and promote STEM careers, and offer insights into tertiary study.
Lead Researcher: Kathryn Grushka
Funding Received: $119,192
This project addressed the decline in farming, mining and manufacture in regional and remote areas by supporting and educating high school students to aspire to work in the creative industries. A Creative Industries Roadshow engaged university academics, research assistants and university student mentors to inform high school students, career advisors and teachers about the creative industries through information sessions, discussions and hands-on digital media workshops.
Funding Received: $134,278
Project-based learning activities and supporting resources were delivered to low socioeconomic status regional and remote school students, focusing on environmental sustainability and understanding and applying statistics and the sciences. The project aimed to increase student interest, attitudes and aspirations—as well as those of their families and teachers—towards higher education and STEM, and incorporated information on scholarships supporting Indigenous and disadvantaged students.