Influencing the key influencers: strategies and resources for engagement in regional Western Australia

Background/context/relevance Aspire UWA is a key widening participation program at The University of Western Australia, that works with partner schools to raise university aspirations and build academic capacity. Partner... [ view full abstract ]

Background/context/relevance
Aspire UWA is a key widening participation program at The University of Western Australia, that works with partner schools to raise university aspirations and build academic capacity. Partner schools are located across the Gascoyne, Kimberley, Mid West, Pilbara and metropolitan Perth, in communities typically under-represented in Higher Education. Through a comprehensive learning framework Aspire UWA engages secondary students, teachers and community members in a range of school, community and campus based activities.
The MidWest is a particularly challenging landscape with university participation rates being amongst the lowest in Australia. In addressing this and together with the UWA Careers Centre, Aspire UWA is developing specifically tailored strategies and resources to engage key influencers: teachers, parents and community leaders.
The initiative/practice/issue
With support received from the 2014 National Priorities Pool, we are working in partnership with schools and community organisations in the MidWest and Gascoyne regions to:
• Design, facilitate and distribute resources and activities to inform parents and families about university options and benefits of Higher Education;
• Develop, facilitate and distribute career development activities and resources for students and teachers.
Further information/action
An action research methodology has been adopted for this project. Templates and resources that are used throughout the project’s development and implementation will be shared.