In April CEFA for the second time took part in UTS’s University Experience Program which saw for 21 rural youth from CEFA communities around NSW come to Sydney for three days to experience first hand what uni would be like. So successful has it been that UTS encouraged CEFA to invite Macquarie University on board so that we could grow the program and allow more rural students the opportunity to have this important experience. We are delighted to say that Macquarie University instantly embraced the idea which will now allow for 35 students from seven CEFA communities to participate.

The program will be jointly funded by UTS and Macquarie. Students come from low-socio economic high schools in communities where CEFA has a local education foundation. From years 10 and 11, students are selected because their school believes they have the capability of going to university in the future but may well discount themselves for a variety of reasons. 

Prior to coming to Sydney students select subject areas of their choice and then get to spend the day in that particular faculty. Having Macquarie Uni on board will allow students to explore two universities and more subject areas that are of interest to them. The faculties arrange for students to take part in a variety of practical activities associated with the subject area, hear from current students and also learn the types of careers open to graduates of such subjects. The students also get to visit on-campus accommodation and speak to other rural students about their university experience and how they made the successful transition from home to university.

The opportunity demystifies many aspects of going to uni and sees students returning to school with a greater level of focus, aspiration and confidence knowing that university really is for them, not just someone else. On returning to school, students are asked to make presentations to local service clubs, their peers at school and also their local education foundation so that the experience and learning remains long after they have returned home.