Gillard Government funding opens the doors of Uni of Ballarat

Thursday, 15 December 2011

The University of Ballarat will receive more than $2.2 million to deliver programs to help school students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Central and Western Victoria pursue a higher education.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, today announced a $67 million investment by the Gillard Government for 11 partnerships between universities, schools, state governments and TAFEs, designed to help more disadvantaged Australians go to university.

The University of Ballarat will receive over $2.2 million for an initiative targeting school students in years 5 to 11 from disadvantaged backgrounds in rural communities.

The Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said the initiative will focus on improving pre-tertiary achievements and retention, and understanding and aspiration for higher education.

“Building Aspiration in Disadvantaged Communities will use a range of activities including class and community workshops, mentoring, parent sessions and university camps,” Ms King said.

“This will see the University of Ballarat working with partners including schools, the Victorian Government, community organisations, Local Learning and Employment Networks and peak public and private educational bodies.”

The Gillard Government is opening the doors to university and giving disadvantaged Australians the chance to get a university degree.

“We believe every Australian, no matter where they live, should be able to go to university if they have the ability,” Senator Evans said.

“This funding will mean universities, in partnership with TAFEs and schools, can do more with disadvantaged schools and communities, giving students the support they need to access a university education.

“This funding will give those Australians who have dreamt of going to university, but have traditionally felt locked out of the system, the chance to achieve that dream.”

Since 2009, the number of university enrolments by disadvantaged students has increased by 12.7 per cent.

By 2020, the Government is aiming to have 20 per cent of undergraduate enrolments from people from low socio economic status backgrounds.

“To achieve this goal, more people need to be given the chance to go to university and this funding will help do this,” Senator Evans said.

The 11 programs will be funded over the next three years from the Australian Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program.

This funding is part of the more than $12 billion invested in higher education by the Government in 2011. More than $52 million will be provided to the tertiary sector in a second HEPPP Partnerships round expected to open in early 2012.

Senator Evans Media Contact: Amy McKenna 0408 570 603
Catherine King Media Contact: Peter Dwyer 0409 866 054