As part of its Community Education Liaison (formerly Lodestar) Program, Western Sydney University’s Office of Widening Participation will be delivering a range of community support projects during 2017 aimed at raising educational aspirations and preparing participants for a successful transition into the world of higher education.
University Taster Days
University Taster Days provide students in out-of-home care (15+) and care leavers with the opportunity to experience a day on campus and engage with current university students and staff. These events are developed around particular topics in collaboration with university faculties to provide an enjoyable and engaging educative experience. Participants will also receive a tour of the campus, morning tea and lunch and an education pack.
Boost Club (formerly KiC Club)
Boost Club is comprised of regular afterschool on-campus workshops designed for students aged 15-17 who are considering higher education and want assistance designed to build self-awareness, knowledge and capacity. Workshop content will incorporate a range of enjoyable and engaging educative activities and will focus on developing the following:
- An awareness of participant strengths and potential.
- Knowledge regarding available university supports.
- The capacity to succeed within higher education utilising all available resources.
Boost Clubs operate on Western Sydney University campuses on a fortnightly basis.
Transition into Higher Education (T2HE) Planning Sessions
T2HE Planning Sessions consist of an intensive support meeting whereby prospective university students (15+) are assisted in small groups with the development of a transition to university plan. Participants are provided with information and resources relating to available courses, university application processes (i.e. UAC), scholarships, on-campus accommodation and other relevant topics.
T2HE Planning Sessions are delivered in a two-hour, small group (5-10 participants) format.
U1st
U1st is A retention project comprised of on-campus meetings with care leavers who are current Western students. These meetings will provide a safe and constructive forum for care leavers to engage with each other and university staff about a range of topics. This project is designed to provide targeted assistance to care leavers in pursuit of their study and career aspirations. U1st will focus on the following:
- Providing a forum for care leaver students to engage with each other and to have their voices heard.
- Organising care leaver student engagement with requested support services.
- Building care leaver student knowledge and capacity in regards to study and career aspirations.
U1st is designed to be run by university students, for university students, with the support of Western Sydney University.
For all enquiries relating to the Community Education Liaison Program (OOHC Projects), please contact Richard Pourau on 9678 7257 or at r.pourau@westernsydney.edu.au