NPP Projects

Rural In2Uni Program

Abstract

A pilot outreach program was conducted in partnership with four regional and remote high schools, incorporating in-school and on-campus activities, with the goal of supporting students’ attainment, aspirations and awareness toward higher education. An online resource kit was developed to enable regional and remote schools to self-deliver outreach programs at a low cost by using school staff and student alumni in partnership with a university.

Project outline

• The project was a venture between the University of Wollongong and four high schools and colleges with the goal of supporting attainment, aspirations and awareness of higher education for low socioeconomic status (SES) students attending regional and remote schools.
• The project had two main objectives:
  1. Develop a regional and remote outreach model for low SES students attending regional and remote schools.
  2. Develop a resource package that can be used by any school or university seeking to run outreach programs in regional and remote schools.
• The model consisted of in-school outreach sessions and on-campus experience days.

Key findings

• The project confirmed that it is through close collaboration between universities and schools that regional and remote students achieve the greatest level of engagement with higher education.
• The Rural In2Uni program has resulted in a suite of higher education programs suitable for regional and remote school students. These included:
  • Kids In2Uni
  • Future Finder Day
  • Year 7 and Year 8 Mini Bootcamps
  • University Preparation Program
• Information on all programs is available as an online resource.
• The Rural In2Uni program has also resulted in a continuation of working relationships between the University and schools and colleges.
• Surveys on the key programs were all positive:
  • After attending Kids In2Uni, 73 per cent of students learnt something they didn’t know previously and 83 per cent of students agreed they know what they need to do to get the job they want after finishing school.
  • After attending Future Finder Day, 73 per cent of students agreed they felt more confident in overcoming barriers to higher education and 75 per cent agreed they are familiar with the steps to achieving career goals.
    • In addition, 100 per cent of teachers believed the day allowed students to imagine themselves at university, while 80 per cent agreed that student perceptions of university were changed in a positive way.
  • After attending the University Preparation Program, 84 per cent of students agreed they are familiar with the steps for achieving their career goals and 91 per cent agreed that they have a level of confidence towards using university/TAFE and other training websites.

• The project has led to the implementation of an online Rural In2Uni resource kit that enables regional and remote schools to self-deliver outreach programs at a low cost by using school staff and student alumni in partnership with a university.

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Summary prepared by the NCSEHE.

Posted 15 October 2018