Media Release
August 1 2008
UniSA fund supports students from high school to higher education
In
addition to the $1.5 million UniSA invests in
university-wide
scholarships each year, the University has announced it will spend
almost $170,000 over the next three years in a new scheme to focus on
school students and school retention in the Northern suburbs.
Speaking from the Northern Community Summit today UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said while details of the scheme were yet to be finalised, the clear aim would be to find the best ways to improve school retention for high potential students at risk of leaving school.
“We know from research data collected on the area and from what has been discussed here today, that for all kinds of reasons some teenagers with very high potential are forced out of high school before they get the opportunities they deserve,” Professor Høj said.
“As a university we need to ensure students have the chance to get to the starting line. International research increasingly supports that there is a relationship between education and overall success - students who leave school in year 11 do better than those who left in year 10, and those who stay on to year 12 have even better outcomes.
“And the impact of education goes beyond just getting a good job – education delivers better health, better parents, empowered citizens, and ultimately better communities.”
Professor Høj said the enthusiasm and collaboration across all levels of the community shown at the Summit today was a sign of good things to come.
“I am delighted to have been a part of this event and to see the dedication to developing better outcomes for the north across the range of people here – from the Governor, Rear Admiral Scarce, Premier Mike Rann, several state ministers and business leaders, right though to local school students and residents like Betty Alberton who has lived in the area for more 40 years.”
Summit organiser UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor Strategy and Planning Professor Hilary Winchester says the day has shown that many individuals and organisations are really committed to building something dynamic in northern Adelaide.
“It has been a day of new ideas, one where we have confronted frustrations and tough problems and been inspired by the incredible passion people have for this community and its potential,” Prof Winchester said.
“The time to meet and talk and brainstorm is important – but it is also vital that we make some concrete commitment to improvement and I believe this new fund is an invaluable step and one that builds on UniSA’s existing programs such as the UniSA Northern Adelaide Partnership program, the Robotics Peer Mentoring program, among other partnerships and projects in the north.”
Media contact
-
Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673
email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au