44 students and their teachers from Balranald, Bombala, Boorowa, Coonamble, Merriwa, Murrumburrah, Camden Haven, Narrabri, Ungarie and West Wyalong participated last week in a three-day university experience at Macquarie University and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
The annual Rural Students University Experience gives teachers and students from 10 schools in rural and regional NSW the opportunity to discover the excitement and benefits of pursuing higher education.
The majority of these young people have never visited a university campus before and many are not even sure if it is a viable option for them in the future. Coming from rural environments, choice can seem limited. Students may be the first in family to attend a university and there may be financial concerns and worries about what life would be like in a large city.
“The decision to study at university is a big step for any student, but when that decision also involves possibly re-locating away from home, the prospect can become daunting,” says Ruth Tregale, Manager Widening Participation at Macquarie University.
“Many students from rural and remote backgrounds have the desire to pursue higher education, but may be concerned that the broad range of options offered at city campuses are not readily accessible for them."
Macquarie University, as part of its LEAP (Learning, Education, Aspiration, Participation) program, has worked together for the past four years in partnership with the Country Education Foundation (CEF) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to develop a Rural Students University Experience that addresses these specific concerns and demystifies the concept of university.
“As a student from rural New South Wales, I understand more than many the value of education and the possibilities it opens up for a young person,” said Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton.
“My own education has given me the opportunity to travel and work all over the world, meet interesting people and have experiences I might never have had if I had chosen not to study. I am very proud to support the Rural Students University Experience Program.”
Macquarie provided a fun day of interactive workshops and informative sessions on courses and careers attainable through higher education, including information on pathways to university, accommodation and scholarship options, and support available to students on campus. Students had a taste of Robotics, Chemistry, Media, Music and Dance and the opportunity to meet university students from rural backgrounds who are currently living on campus.
Jane McKenzie-Hollows, CEF’s Administration and Projects Officer said she was delighted that this innovative program continues to be so well supported by Macquarie University and UTS.
“The results over the last few years have been obvious with students returning home with a greater confidence and self-belief. They are seeing that this is attainable for them, and that whatever their choice, it is achievable in a way they didn’t think possible before.”
The annual Rural Students University Experience gives teachers and students from 10 schools in rural and regional NSW the opportunity to discover the excitement and benefits of pursuing higher education.
The majority of these young people have never visited a university campus before and many are not even sure if it is a viable option for them in the future. Coming from rural environments, choice can seem limited. Students may be the first in family to attend a university and there may be financial concerns and worries about what life would be like in a large city.
“The decision to study at university is a big step for any student, but when that decision also involves possibly re-locating away from home, the prospect can become daunting,” says Ruth Tregale, Manager Widening Participation at Macquarie University.
“Many students from rural and remote backgrounds have the desire to pursue higher education, but may be concerned that the broad range of options offered at city campuses are not readily accessible for them."
Macquarie University, as part of its LEAP (Learning, Education, Aspiration, Participation) program, has worked together for the past four years in partnership with the Country Education Foundation (CEF) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to develop a Rural Students University Experience that addresses these specific concerns and demystifies the concept of university.
“As a student from rural New South Wales, I understand more than many the value of education and the possibilities it opens up for a young person,” said Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton.
“My own education has given me the opportunity to travel and work all over the world, meet interesting people and have experiences I might never have had if I had chosen not to study. I am very proud to support the Rural Students University Experience Program.”
Macquarie provided a fun day of interactive workshops and informative sessions on courses and careers attainable through higher education, including information on pathways to university, accommodation and scholarship options, and support available to students on campus. Students had a taste of Robotics, Chemistry, Media, Music and Dance and the opportunity to meet university students from rural backgrounds who are currently living on campus.
Jane McKenzie-Hollows, CEF’s Administration and Projects Officer said she was delighted that this innovative program continues to be so well supported by Macquarie University and UTS.
“The results over the last few years have been obvious with students returning home with a greater confidence and self-belief. They are seeing that this is attainable for them, and that whatever their choice, it is achievable in a way they didn’t think possible before.”
