Connecting people and easing the transition to uni

The LEAP UP – Macquarie Mentoring Program matches high school students from refugee backgrounds with Macquarie University student volunteers.

Together, mentees and mentors explore various post-high school options in Australia.

This Macquarie University initiative was established in partnership with the NSW Department of Education in 2011.

Mentoring sessions are conducted at partner high schools for a period of eleven weeks, with one on-campus session where the mentees are invited to the Macquarie University campus for an experience of university life.

I really loved the energy of the mentors. My mentor was so friendly and kind, and I felt so free to ask all my questions. I learned a lot in this program and I'm more confident about my future goals.

Mentee (2019)

Our program focus

As this is a strengths-based program, the areas of focus are mentee-led with the overall aim to:

  • develop self-awareness, self-efficacy, sense of belonging and leadership skills
  • set goals, identify strengths and resources, and apply agency and pathways thinking
  • broaden and navigate towards aspirations related to further education and careers
  • provide support in study, research, and time management skills
  • increase understanding of tertiary education pathway
  • increase understanding of university courses, expectations, and future job prospects
  • provide support in developing job seeker skills and exploring career options.

Considering some [mentees] did not know about all the pathways into university, they became more confident in entering university knowing that ATAR is not the only way. They've learned about the opportunities that they have.

Our mentees' teacher

Becoming a mentor*

LEAP UP mentors work with high school students from refugee backgrounds to build knowledge of post-high school options, and to foster greater awareness of university cultures and expectations in the Australian context.

If you are a Macquarie student who is passionate about social justice, equitable education and working with young people, apply to become a LEAP UP mentor and:

  • meet like-minded students and form new friendships
  • build professional skills and qualities including communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving
  • increase your motivation, confidence and curiosity by supporting others
  • broaden your perspectives and become a more open-minded global citizen.

Learn more about mentoring responsibilities.

*Applications are currently closed and will reopen in November 2021.

What our past mentors say

The LEAP Up program is a humbling experience and reinforces, for me, the fact that people aren't really all that different from one another! I think the program serves as a powerful reminder every person is important.

Mentoring gallery

See some of our past mentoring experiences.

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