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ASPIRE Overview
What is ASPIRE?
ASPIRE is a UNSW equity initiative that involves working with students in local Sydney high schools to lift their aspirations and seek a university education. Equity staff and trained UNSW student volunteers co-ordinate a range of on-campus and in-school activities aimed at:
- Building a greater awareness about university among students who may not have considered a university education before
- Encouraging students to think about their options for the future
- Helping students to achieve their full potential
- Increasing university applications from local high schools
Schools involved
ASPIRE has formed partnerships with 10 Sydney schools who participate in a number of on-campus and in-school awareness raising activities.
For more information on the ASPIRE project or to discuss your school's involvement please contact Fiona Nicholson, ASPIRE Project Manager at f.nicholson@unsw.edu.au or call 9385 6354.
Funding
ASPIRE is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. In 2009 it is also funded by a donation from the Citi Foundation.
ASPIRE Ambassadors
We believe that the best people to inspire high school students to consider further study are current UNSW students. Our ASPIRE Ambassadors are volunteers who are trained to lead and facilitate awareness-raising activities with high school students.
ASPIRE Ambassadors are critical to the project’s success.
Becoming an ASPIRE Ambassador
If you would like to become an ASPIRE ambassador you must be:
- a current UNSW student in your second semester or later
- willing to attend training
- able to commit to supporting at least one activity per semester
Essential qualities we are looking for:
- Commitment to education
- Able to relate to young people
- Enthusiastic and reliable
- Willing to share your own experience of why you
chose university and your life as a student
- Excellent communication skills
- Good time management skills
- Knowledge of educational opportunities
- Awareness of the barriers that can prevent young people accessing higher education
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
Why be an ASPIRE Ambassador?
For you, there are many benefits to being part of the ASPIRE project:
- Personal satisfaction in helping local high school students reach their full potential
- Experiencing a sense of community beyond the university campus
- Recognition on your supplementary transcript (only applicable if you participate in at least one face-to-face activity per semester)
- Gaining skills and experience future employers value such as:
- Communicating effectively with a variety of people
- Collaborating and working in a team
- Problem-solving and showing initiative
- Appreciating and responding to diversity and change
- Committing to social responsibility
- Meeting other uni students and having some fun!
How to get involved
Applications to be an ASPIRE Ambassador have now closed for Semester 2, 2009. If you would like to register your interest in becoming an Ambassador, please email aspire@unsw.edu.au
What people have said about ASPIRE activities
School Students
"Today was great, at the start I wasn't sure what Uni was like. I am definitely going to apply."
"I thought that today was extremely enjoyable and that I learnt a great deal about university. I've also set a new goal to go to uni and make it."
"I love the way that we now have people who can help us get to uni."
ASPIRE Ambassadors
"I had an amazing time talking and working with the students and seeing them so interested in university and the different ways of getting there. I am so glad to have signed up to a part of the ASPIRE program."
"Workshops have inspired me a lot and I found it very rewarding to be part of the ASPIRE team. I am very proud of myself to be part of ASPIRE."
School Staff
"Our school really values this program. The students are given the opportunity to see UNSW in action but with a great deal of support and instruction."
"Encourages the student to aspire to Higher Education. Makes uni seem more attractive and available."
"Excites them about uni, motivating their study in Yr 11 and 12."
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