Engaging and inspiring primary and secondary students

Supporting students with the transition from high school to further education and careers.

Working with our partners

This strategy builds on our successful Learning, Education, Aspiration and Participation (LEAP) programs that engage students from refugee, asylum seeker, regional, rural and remote backgrounds.

LEAP UP initiatives are inspirational and informative, equipping students with an understanding of higher learning opportunities and the value of engaging with lifelong learning.

Students are invited to:

  • participate in initiatives that connect them with alternate learning pathways into higher education
  • connect with university student mentors who share their learning experiences
  • discover a network of student support services that promote participation in learning.

Our programs

Macquarie Mentoring

Macquarie Mentoring

Connecting high school students from refugee backgrounds with Macquarie University students.

Learn more about this program
LEAP ROADS and inROADS

LEAP ROADS and inROADS

Supporting regional and remote students to participate in higher education.

More about these programs

School programs

LEAP engages younger school students with curriculum-aligned fun and informative learning opportunities.

See school programs

HSC Study Lab

HSC Study Lab is an online HSC preparation and revision tool created by Macquarie University for students in Years 11 and 12. The courses are based on the learning outcomes of the NESA syllabus and are written and delivered by expert teachers with extensive knowledge in marking. We can help with understanding difficult concepts, preparing for assessments, homework, and of course exam revision.

Courses currently offered are:

  • Biology (Year 11 and 12)
  • Chemistry (Year 11 and 12)
  • Physics (Year 11 and 12)
  • Business Studies (Year 11 and 12).

STEM programs

Our programs use science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities to empower students from Indigenous or low-SES backgrounds.

NISEP uses science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to place Indigenous secondary students in leadership roles at school, community and university-based events. Students gain confidence and motivation to finish school and pursue pathways to tertiary education and employment.

NISEP is a unique collective including:

  • Aboriginal Elders and community members
  • university staff and students
  • school staff
  • STEM organisations.

All are committed to supporting the educational attainment of Indigenous youth in a meaningful way. Read more about our journey with NISEP.

For more information, visit:

Ryde Junior Scientists connects students with educational opportunities to participate in STEM-based holiday workshops.

The initiative engages community network members who experience socioeconomic disadvantage or underrepresentation in learning opportunities.

Learn more about Junior Science Academy.

The Step in2STEM program encourages students' interest in STEM. Students work individually and in teams to construct and program LEGO® Education SPIKE™ PRIME or MINDSTORMS EV3 robots to complete a variety of tasks and challenges.

These hands-on sessions are facilitated by passionate Macquarie University Student Ambassadors in collaboration with:

The Step in2STEM program is a great way to introduce robotics into learning and teaching at your school. After participating in the program, we encourage your school to register for the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge. Find out more about the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge at firstaustralia.org.

Regional, remote and Low SES schools are also eligible to participate in Macquarie University’s LEAP Robotics program. This program provides access to additional student mentoring sessions, teacher support and educational resources.

To express your interest in participating in the Step in2STEM program complete the registration form.

NSW Equity Consortium

The NSW Equity Consortium (NEC) is a longitudinal research and outreach collaborative initiative involving Macquarie University, University of New South Wales and the University of Technology Sydney.

The NEC engages numerous partner schools in South-western Sydney with curriculum-aligned, literacy content and resources that aim to enhance student confidence and promote engagement with learning materials.

University students are recruited as NEC Equity Ambassadors and support the delivery of university-designed content in in-school and online activities for whole of cohort school students.

MQ NEC literacy content is delivered over 10 weeks during Term 3 of the school year to Year 7 students and includes a visit to the University campus for participating schools students.

Want to become an Equity Ambassador in 2023? Join our student mailing list to stay informed of opportunities to be involved.

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E: Widening Participation Unit