Working with schools and communities

During 2012 to 2015 the five Bridges universities expanded their engagement to reach more schools and students from communities under-represented in higher education, and built  cumulative impact with younger classes and post school leavers, parents and communities.

Program Expansion

Bridges will build on proven programs, such as:

• Australian Catholic University's ACUgate program
• Macquarie University's LEAP - Learning, Education, Aspiration, Participation
• The University of Sydney's Compass – Find your way to Higher Education
• The University of Technology, Sydney's U@Uni
• Western Sydney University's Fast Forward program

Working with students

From their early school years, the Schools Engagement Project developed students' engagement in education, raising awareness of higher education options and benefits, and building university readiness.

Information and academic support funded through Bridges to Higher Education aims to improve educational outcomes and higher education choices.

Working with teachers

Partner universities provide teacher training and professional development, for those who are studying to be teachers as well as those already in service.

Professional development programs range from skills training and short courses to postgraduate study. Sessions for teachers are often built into programs in schools.

The short courses offered by our universities are endorsed by the NSW Institute of Teachers.

We also develop and provide targeted information about higher education pathways and benefits for use by principals, year coordinators, careers teachers, careers advisors, professional development staff, community liaison officers, school learning support officers, Aboriginal education officers, and others who support students and parents to make decisions about higher education.

Collaboration

Our Schools Engagement Project team identifies opportunities for greater collaboration among Bridges partners, to improve impact and efficiency and to enable universities to learn from each other.