CDU inspires Year 10 students

High school students from across the Northern Territory and South Australia attended a three-day orientation as part of Charles Darwin University’s ASPIRE program.

Tennant Creek High School student Mya Bond was one of 17 Year 10 students to visit Casuarina campus recently as part of the ASPIRE Program.

Mya said she was determined to be the first of her family to pursue higher education.

“It’s really great; I’ve never experienced anything like this and it has helped motivate me,” she said.

“Meeting others and being in a university environment has made me want to achieve my goals more.

“I will be the first in my family to complete high school and hopefully study further.”

CDU Director of Student Engagement Sarah Fletcher said the program was now in its seventh year.

“It is very competitive, and we only take on students who we believe we can help or motivate,” Ms Fletcher said. “Over the seven years, we have inspired and supported more than 140 teenagers.

“The ASPIRE program aims to help students from diverse backgrounds achieve their best results in secondary school. It also aims to raise the aspirations of young people to pursue tertiary study.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Engagement and Success, Professor Philip Seltsikas said CDU was thrilled with the new group of young people introduced into the program.

“Our aim is to offer these bright young minds opportunities and access to resources to help them explore and establish their future educational pathways and career opportunities,” Professor Seltsikas said.

ASPIRE is CDU’s flagship equity scholarships program. It is a partnership initiative between the university and Northern Territory secondary schools. Eligible students are selected in Year 9 and supported financially through tailored activities until Year 12. Extra help is provided in their first year of higher education if they decide to study at CDU.

This program is funded by the Australian Government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program.