Thanks to the great generosity of the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), 21 lucky students from Balranald Central School, Coonamble High School, Moree Secondary College and Murrumburrah High School were given the opportunity to travel to Sydney on a three day university discovery excursion. Made possible through the education partnerships these schools enjoy with UTS, the students and four teachers from these rural NSW communities were able to take part in this fully funded experience. The purpose of the trip was to give country students the opportunity to explore and experience university life first hand.

‘The trip was an invaluable opportunity for our students’ said Charlotte Middleton who chairs the Harden Murrumburrah Education Foundation and teaches at Murrumburrah High School. Charlotte, who accompanied the students, explained that ‘prior to going to Sydney, students were able to select a subject area that most appealed to them. While in Sydney students had a full day to explore their subject choice and take part in practical activities in that particular faculty. They also heard from faculty staff and other students currently studying in this area and were also able to really explore the university campus and visit the on-campus accommodation’ said Charlotte.

Ruth Thompson, Manager of Student Equity at UTS said that ‘for rural students, it can be much harder to achieve their tertiary education goals due to the challenges of cost, distance and separation from family and their local support network. For two years now UTS has funded this University Experience Program and we have seen first hand the difference it makes for students. It demystifies the whole concept of university and also explains to them the practical side of making their tertiary education goals a reality.’

Asked why the university was so committed to this University Experience Program for rural youth, Ms Thompson said ‘UTS is committed to playing its part in improving the tertiary education participation rates of rural students.’

She went on to say that ‘it would be wonderful if some of these students decided to attend UTS in the future, but this is not our primary goal or expectation. The real importance of this program is in helping school students to imagine their futures in different ways. It is part of our long-term contribution to improving the accessibility of university for rural youth - we show them how to make it possible.’

Jocellin Jansson, Executive Director of the Country Education Foundation of Australia who accompanied the students and teachers while in Sydney said ‘the students’ behaviour and attitudes were a credit to their schools and communities. They were a pleasure to work with and we look forward to more students from Harden/Murrumburrah, Coonamble, Moree and Balranald attending next year.’

Charlotte agreed and said other students from Murrumburrah High School were already excited about the opportunity of visiting Sydney and UTS in 2010.

While in Sydney students were also given the opportunity to visit Manly, the IMAX theatre, Darling Harbour and try many different cuisines, plus they enjoyed travelling by plane, train, monorail, taxi and ferry while they were there. 

‘In short,’ said Charlotte ‘it was an opportunity of a lifetime for these students and we are really grateful to UTS for giving them this opportunity.’