Regional Access, Inclusion and Success in Education (RAISE)
A collaborative partnerships program supporting higher education transition
The Regional Access, Inclusion and Success in Education (RAISE) initiative encompasses a range of diverse projects to assist community members of the Sunshine Coast in their transition to tertiary studies. Collaborative approaches to learning and teaching are undertaken with other tertiary providers, schools, professional bodies, businesses and industries.
With a coordinated approach to higher education transition initiatives, RAISE offers opportunities to ensure that participation in tertiary education in the wider Sunshine Coast region is more attainable, appealing, successful and sustainable. This distinctive program realises USC’s values of diversity, inclusiveness, collaboration and excellence in higher education, and provides adaptable programs suited to the needs of individual students.
Since its inception in 2002, RAISE has demonstrated outstanding benefits for students’ personal development and learning outcomes. Disadvantaged and under-represented student groups are provided with opportunities that are highly supportive of their individual development through contextualised and personalised learning. Outcomes for students include increased motivation and educational aspirations, and improved understanding of career opportunities.
RAISE makes a significant and sustained contribution to the region’s educational and professional capacity via:
- increased enrolments in tertiary studies
- advanced learning and communication strategies
- improved access to additional resources and professional development for teachers
- an enhanced quality and quantity of skilled professionals in the region
Objectives
RAISE aims to promote the value of education and improve access to the tertiary education sector. Its goal is to inspire disadvantaged and under-represented student groups to reach their potential, to encourage the regional community to participate in further study, and to develop the educational and professional capacity of the Sunshine Coast region.
The objectives of RAISE are to:
- provide educational opportunities that value inclusiveness, diversity, collaboration and excellence
- personalise and contextualise educational transition and support models to increase enrolment, retention and success rates
- improve access for diverse communities by providing flexible, blended, learning opportunities
Program components
- Headstart
- Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP)
- Integrated Learning Engineering (ILE)
- Primary Industry Centre for Science Education USC (PICSE USC)
- Creative Writing Excellence Program (CWEP)
Latest news
- "Enable access to the USC experience" — RAISE objectives are a top priority in the USC Strategic Plan 2011 – 2015
Enquiries
Dr David McKay
Leader, TPP and PICSE USC
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 1149
Email: dmckay@usc.edu.au
Dr Richard White
Leader, Integrated Learning Engineering (ILE)
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2832
Email: RWhite@usc.edu.au
Kylie Russell
Leader, Headstart
Tel: +61 7 5456 5168
Email: Headstartsupport@usc.edu.au
Dr Maria Arena
Leader, Creative Writing Excellence Program (CWEP)
Faculty of Arts and Social Science
Email: marena1@usc.edu.au