Fast Forward-ing high school student pathways to UWS

Close to 200 local high school students returned to school with a new knowledge and appreciation for university life after attending the UWS Fast Forward Year 12 Conference at Penrith Panthers.

High school students travelled from across the Greater Western Sydney region to hear presentations from UWS staff, students and alumni as well as guest speakers from a range of industries.

Topics ranged from how to apply to university, to budgeting as a student, and how to build an effective resume for the job you want.

Scholarships Officer Victoria Milne was one of the staff presenters on the day, advising students how to take advantage of UWS scholarship opportunities in her session ‘Paying for University without actually paying’.

“The day was a tremendous success! The students had the choice of which presentations they were going to attend which definitely maximised each presentation’s potential,” says Victoria.

“Knowing that students had chosen to come to my presentation personally made presenting more of a joy because I knew they were eager to hear what I had to say. By the end of the day it was evident that the students were walking away with more understanding, confidence and direction in regards to their lives after school.”

Jim Micsko, Manager of the Fast Forward Program, was pleased to see the high school students learning and interacting with the presenters on the day.

“We have received some terrific feedback on all of our presenters and workshops from the students and teaching staff in attendance on the day,” says Jim.

“By attending this conference, some students have made decisions about which path they want to follow after the HSC. This is a very rewarding outcome for all involved and we very much look forward to running this event again in 2013.”

Jim would also like to acknowledge the teaching staff at our partner high schools, whose commitment to, and support for, their students as participants in the Fast Forward program is very much appreciated.