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National award for raising region's aspirations
The University of the Sunshine Coast has won another prestigious national award, this time for its efforts in raising the educational aspirations of people from north Brisbane to Hervey Bay.
USC was rewarded yesterday with its first Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) National Program Award, valued at $25,000, for its project entitled Regional Access, Inclusion and Success in Education (RAISE).
The University was one of only 10 across Australia, and one of three in Queensland to receive ALTC Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning for 2011. Its success was in the category for “educational partnerships and collaborations with other organisations”.
USC’s application highlighted five of its outreach initiatives: its Headstart program for high school students; an alternative entry program called Tertiary Preparation Pathway; its provision of a Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE USC); a Creative Writing Excellence program in schools; and an Integrated Learning Engineering program in schools.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill congratulated all staff involved in these innovative pre-university programs as well as the University’s Office of Learning and Teaching which coordinated the award application.
“It's been a wonderful team effort and I’m delighted to see our staff receive this national recognition,” Professor Hill said.
“Our application showcased a suite of programs from across the University which involve partnerships and collaborations that enhance learning and teaching within the community as well as at USC.
“The RAISE program connects with communities, schools, and professional and organisational bodies in the wider Sunshine Coast region and promotes the value of tertiary education and inclusive educational outcomes for a diverse regional population.
“The program’s mission is to inspire students from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups to reach their potential, to encourage community participation in further study, and to develop the educational and professional capacity of the region in an equitable and sustainable manner.”
The RAISE team leaders are Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology Dr David McKay, Senior Lecturer in Engineering Dr Richard White, Creative Writing academic Dr Maria Arena, External Relations Manager Kylie Russell and External Relations Officer Tegan McFarland.
They have been invited to attend the ALTC awards presentation at the Sydney Opera House in mid-August to receive the award.
USC’s application for the award was supported by a letter signed by five Education Queensland representatives, North Coast Nambour North Assistant Regional Director Colin Allen-Waters, North Coast Maryborough Assistant Regional Director Stephen Case, Learning Innovation Centre Director John Lockhart, Caloundra State High School Principal Peter Kelly and James Nash State High School principal Darrin Edwards.
Their letter said USC’s provision of a broad range of engagement strategies and opportunities through RAISE was having a profound positive impact on the region.
“Its inclusive focus and ability to attract and retain both highly able students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds is advancing the educational demographic of the region at a considerable rate,” the letter said.
“The collaborative approach to teaching and learning that is rated so highly by USC students and Education Queensland staff is evidenced by all students in this pre-university engagement program.”
— Terry Walsh