Going Online and Ongoing with Indigenous pre-tertiary students

This Paper outlines the University of Sydney’s integrated and multi-layered approach to support the academic and personal preparation of Aboriginal young people for higher education. There is a strong focus sustained... [ view full abstract ]

This Paper outlines the University of Sydney’s integrated and multi-layered approach to support the academic and personal preparation of Aboriginal young people for higher education. There is a strong focus sustained engagement across years 7 – 12 with Aboriginal young people, their families and communities.

In particular this paper showcases the online component of the engagement A*STAR which provides both real time academic support with homework for students across the county and a mechanism for ongoing engagement with high school students who have been engaged with either our on-Campus or in-school programs.

It will also provide some background into the ways in which the program was designed - a collaboration between non-Government agencies, schools, the University and young people themselves.

A*STAR is now a pre-tertiary student facing network with more than 300 hits daily.

This paper will look at the evidence that led to the development of A*STAR the ways in which it strengthens and supports ongoing engagement with young Indigenous people and their communities. It will also highlight how we are utlising the platform to connect current and prospective students to support the young students participation in higher education.