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Learning for Life Aims for ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ

Friday, 18 November 2005

The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ has just signed an agreement to contribute $90,500 to The Smith Family's Learning for Life program across three years, starting December 2005 to ensure more students from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a tertiary education.

The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's funds will be directed specifically towards the personal and educational support component of The Smith Family's Learning for Life program for students in the western and north-western suburbs of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ who would otherwise face financial barriers to study.

Learning for Life provides disadvantaged students with financial and personal support to help keep them in the education system, increasing their chances of breaking out of the cycle of disadvantage.

The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's Vice-Chancellor, Professor James McWha said, "The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ sees this community partnership with The Smith Family as a perfect alignment of two organisations that understand the importance of education in shaping our destinies.

"The Smith Family's Learning for Life program dovetails with the objectives of the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's Fairway Scheme, designed to increase chances of university entry for students from regional areas and also schools that are traditionally under-represented at university level," he added.

Beyond the dollars, the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ will encourage students in The Smith Family's Learning for Life program to attend specifically designed 'Aim for ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ' events, to familiarise students with university life. These events will include campus tours, academic talks, careers advice and tours of accommodation facilities.

The Smith Family's South Australian General Manager, Grant Goodall said, "Many of the students on our Learning for Life program are the first in their family to attend university, so the Aim for ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ sessions will be particularly valuable in helping students find their feet.

"Our research clearly demonstrates that a good education can prevent financial hardship later in life. We strongly believe that students who have the capacity and desire to study at a higher level, shouldn't be limited by financial disadvantage. We're delighted that University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ shares our conviction and is prepared to make such a significant contribution," he added.

The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ will also carry on the levels of support Learning for Life students have had during their primary and secondary education with its own 'SmoothStart' mentoring program. This program offers assistance to first year students making the transition to tertiary education if they are from rural areas, schools that do not have many students carrying on to the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ, or are receiving Youth Allowance.

"The aim of this partnership is not only to improve the educational outcomes and aspirations of these students and ultimately to increase their participation in tertiary education, but also to enhance the University's interaction with the broader community in a tangible way," Professor McWha added.

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