Rural kids given University experience

Rural students from across Queensland will converge on the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) this week (4-8 December 2006) for the inaugural Higher Education Rural Experience Program (HERE). 

Grade 11 students from Woodenbong to Charleville and from Cunnamulla to Moree, will spend four days at USQ's Toowoomba Campus where they will experience university life first hand.

USQ School Liaison Manager, Margo Baas, said the HERE program was developed in a bid to expose rural students to University by allowing them to experience it.

'Grade 11 students are in the stage where next year they have to make decisions. But how can they make decisions about university if they have not experienced it and have little concept of what it's like.'

The 25 high school students involved in the Program will spend the four days on Campus where they will stay in the residential colleges and participate in activities ranging from career counselling and career education, to scholarships and HECS information.

During the program students will meet with faculties, where they will participate in a three-part career exploration seminar. Throughout the four days students will have the opportunity to clarify concerns and questions with academic staff and Student Services.

The program also aims to improve rural students' transition to university, by raising their awareness and understanding of university life and culture.

'The program is a good opportunity for students to experience what college life is like. They will get to find out what it's like to be a real university student.

'The students will experience living with new people from diverse backgrounds which they may not have had the opportunity to do before- It will help them develop their social skills.

'We have also planed some great social activities for them. They will go to the movies and Ten-Pin-Bowling, and they also get the opportunity to go shopping at Grand Central,' Margo said.

Media are invited to attend the Official Welcome tomorrow (Tuesday 5 December 2006) in the Alison Dickson Lecture Theatre at 9am.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977