High school students get a glimpse of uni life

Neil Macdonald

29 April 2014: Around 200 high school students from across the ACT and regional New South Wales visited the University of Canberra this month for the UC 4 Yourself Expo.

The event, held on 8-9 April, and hosted by the University’s Student Equity and Support Unit (SEASU), attracted students from a number of schools including Jindabyne Central School, Goulburn High School, Mulwaree High School, Bombala High School, Cootamundra High School and Yass High School.

“UC 4 Yourself is a program of university experience days for students primarily from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are traditionally less likely to participate in higher education,” organiser of the event, Rebecca Mason, from the University's Equity and Support Unit, said.

 

Staff and students at the science table watching a nitrogen affected balloon drop to the floor.

“It is a component of Aspire UC, the University’s flagship outreach program aimed at raising aspirations and academic achievement in high school students,” she added.

Five schools attended each UC 4 Yourself day, with students taking part in a series of hands-on activities including faculty workshops, tours of student accommodation and interactive displays.

Jayden Sutton, 15, from Cootamundra High School, who is interested in becoming a music teacher or producing and recording music said he “loved it”. “The people and staff were friendly and the stalls were good,” he said.

Jasmine Ellis, 16, from Erindale College also enjoyed the day, in particular, “the scavenger hunt, the teachers and the science table”.

The next UC 4 Yourself Expos will be held on 23-24 July and 25-26 November.