Working with schools and communities

The five Bridges universities are expanding their engagement to reach more schools and students from communities under-represented in higher education, and to build cumulative impact with younger classes and post school leavers, parents and communities. 

Program Expansion

Brisges will build on proven programs, such as:

• Australian Catholic University’s ACUgate and Uni Step Up programs
• 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
• The University of Western Sydney’s Fast Forward and Fair Go programs

Working with students

From early school years, we are actively developing students’ attachment to 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.

Our activities support key learning areas of primary and high school syllabuses.

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.