In late August CEF again hit the road to give rural and regional students a small taste of uni life, this time in Canberra.
A total of 34 students from Great Lakes College in Forster, Boorowa Central and Orange and Murrumburrah High Schools travelled to Canberra for a University Experience Camp offered collaboratively between the University of Canberra (UC) and CEF.
Juliet, CEF’s go-to team member in partnerships and committees, accompanied the students and teachers and said it’s important for country-raised students to see what universities are like.
“The experience days and camp aim to improve students’ understanding and awareness of higher education as a viable post-school option for them while also raising their aspirations towards this idea,” Juliet shared.
The students were engaged in activities and workshops from the health, science, education and media faculties and attended the University of Canberra Open Day, showcasing the career and study options offered at the uni. Students also got to meet current students, academics, support staff and like-minded students from other rural NSW high schools as well as tour some on-campus accommodation.
Juliet said she was encouraged by the students’ attentiveness and was glad the trip was a worthwhile one for all those that attended.
“Well done to these kids who took advantage of this opportunity. And thank you to the staff and schools who attended and encouraged the students’ involvement,” Juliet said.
“Congratulations to the team at the University of Canberra’s widening participation unit who organised the event. The feedback we have received from the students and parents has been really positive.”
Rebecca Mason from UC’s Widening Participation team shared Juliet’s enthusiasm for the experience.
“We had a great few days and the feedback we have received from the academic staff at the University is that the students were engaged, polite, insightful and a pleasure to work with, which is a fantastic reflection on the students and their schools, and CEF’s efforts in promoting the camp to participation schools,” she said.
Here are some of the comments UC received from students who attended the University Experience Camp:
- “Thank you for being so supportive and welcoming, this has been an amazing experience!”
- “It was amazing, everyone was really nice and very inclusive.”
- “This was an amazing experience and I will drag my mum next time.”
- “It was filled with fun and information, an amazing experience.”
A big thank you to the University of Canberra for hosting us.
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