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USC helps young mums pursue careers
When Tabatha Walls left Nambour High School at the end of Year 11 to have her first child, she had no idea she’d be going to university a few years later.
Now the 21-year-old mum of two toddlers is preparing to start a Bachelor of Business at the University of the Sunshine Coast in February.
Tabatha wants USC to help her pursue a dream of owning a child care centre.
“I’m excited and nervous,” she said. “I want to study business and child care so I can make something of my life and support my kids.”
To ease the transition into tertiary education, Tabatha has spent this year completing four courses in USC’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) program while attending a young mothers’ support group called STEMM.
STEMM – Supporting Teenagers with Education, Mothering and Mentoring – operates at Burnside High.
USC instructors delivered the TPP program partly at the Sippy Downs campus but mostly at Burnside High, to offer the young women flexibility in juggling motherhood and study.
The University’s TPP Associate Lecturer Emma Kill said Tabatha was one of the program’s first five graduates. Four have gained entry to USC degrees in 2010 and one chose TAFE.
The new USC students include Jesse Lanigan, Heidi Lawrence and Rebecca Teunisse. Jesse and Heidi will study Primary Education and Rebecca will study Education and Human Services.
“Some young mothers are really struggling and find it too difficult to engage with further education so this TPP program can change the path of their lives,” Ms Kill said.
“It’s wonderful to see them overcome obstacles and plan their futures.”
TPP courses include Academic Skills and Computer Literacy and are open to anyone over the age of 17 who either has not finished high school or who needs a study skills refresher.
Ms Kill said the popularity of the program continued to grow, with many inquiries for next year’s intake.
“These new students have the ability and skills to really contribute to University life and we are pleased to help them recognise this,” she said.
— Julie Gatehouse