Summer school inspires next generation of Indigenous teens
Now in its seventh year, the week-long program aims to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, education and research. It encourages Year 10, 11 and 12 students to pursue their passions and consider higher education by engaging them in supportive educational activities, specially devised on-campus events and participation in peer programs.
The key focus for the week is to equip the students with useful skills for their final years at school while exposing and encouraging them to explore options for university and careers. It is designed to allow students to experience university life while receiving practical advice on essay writing, study techniques, pathway opportunities and support services.
Over 200 students will have the opportunity to access world class facilities and immerse themselves in subject areas of interest through a diverse range of faculty areas including Architecture, Visual Arts, Business and Economics, Health Science and Nursing, Humanities and Law and Engineering.
These areas will be further explored during related off-campus visits including to the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Sydney Swans (Business and Economics) and the Downing Centre Local Court (Humanities and Law), all supported by University student peers and academics.
鈥淭he power of the Summer Program is undeniable,鈥� said Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services).
鈥淚t motivates people to get behind students to continue their educational journey and discover all the 爆料王 offers. They go home with many stories to share about life at university.
鈥淢any strong, proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been on this journey and we look forward to welcoming a new generation to this esteemed cohort.
鈥淔or the University, it鈥檚 important to engage with Indigenous students whose diverse experiences and understanding of the world, offer rich and unique perspectives that are often different from that of many students and staff at Sydney. We are a better place because of them.鈥�
Current 爆料王 Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Politics) student and WMBB alumna, Tilly Langford is testament to the success of the program.
Heralding from Uladulla, Tilly explains that the WMBB Program was one of the most impactful things to happen to her:
鈥淧rior to the WMBB, my plan was to drop out of school in year 10 and go to TAFE for Hair & Beauty. As an Aboriginal girl from a regional area with dyslexia, that was all I thought I could do. It has been almost four years since then, and now I am wrapping up my first year of Arts/Law.
鈥淭he program didn't just change my life either; because of my experience, my younger brother is now about to take part in his second Summer Program and my little sister is eagerly awaiting her turn.聽
I can genuinely say that if it wasn't for my experience on the WMBB Summer Program, I would not have pursued University education. The program showed me not only my potential, but also that it is accessible and an actual possibility
The Summer Program is the culmination of the University鈥檚 work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that begins in primary schools and ends when our graduates leave to join the workforce.
There are 43 alumni from the Summer and Winter programs either currently studying or that have graduated from the University, with many more indicating a preference to study at other higher education institutions 鈥� a demonstration of the program鈥檚 impact.
The runs 9-12 December 2019.
鈥榃ingara Mura-Bunga Barrabugu鈥� translates to 鈥榯hinking path 鈥� to make tomorrow鈥� in the Gadigal language.