INDUSTRY partners, philanthropic leaders and community representatives came together on Friday, June 9 for an engaging roundtable event in Shepparton, to explore how to boost regional participation in higher education. Hosted by La Trobe University Chancellor the Hon. John Brumby AO, the discussion considered the potential of life-changing interventions such as La Trobe’s Bradford Shepparton Pathway Program and how initiatives such as these can be expanded to ensure all young people living in the regions have the opportunity to reach their full potential and give back to their communities.
Data compiled by La Trobe University indicates that students enrolled in the Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton Bradford Pathways program have a significantly higher likelihood of attending tertiary education compared to the average participation rate in those areas. The program aims to raise aspirations and increase educational engagement for senior school students in partner schools. It provides academic and learning support, including a mentor program with La Trobe University students.
The Gillespie Family Foundation, which played a crucial role in establishing the Bradford Shepparton Pathways program in 2019, has committed an additional $1M to continue the program in Shepparton. La Trobe University has also pledged $2M to sustain the Pathways program in Albury-Wodonga and expand it to Mildura and Bendigo.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO expressed gratitude for the Gillespie Family Foundation’s generosity, emphasising the positive and lasting impact it has on the lives of young regional Victorians.
“Access to higher education is not only life-changing for the individual and their future career, but it also has a ripple effect for their families and the broader community, bolstering the region’s skilled workforce,” Professor Dewar said.
Read more about the success of La Trobe’s Pathways programs in Shepparton and Albury-Wodonga and the funding needed to further expand the program: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2023/release/successful-regional-pathway-program-to-expand
