UniSC demonstrates a strong commitment to outreach educational activities for the wider community, including alumni, local residents, and equity groups, through a variety of programs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UniSC recognises that sustainability education must extend beyond enrolled students to create a meaningful impact. We offer free, accessible, and practical opportunities for alumni, local residents, and international learners to engage with the SDGs.

For alumni, UniSC offers lifelong learning opportunities such as discounted postgraduate study, short courses, and microcredentials in areas like sustainability, business, and creative industries. These initiatives support SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enabling continued professional development and community engagement.

UniSC also partners with organisations like Rotary Clubs of the Sunshine Coast through the Rotary and UniSC Community Fund, which provides scholarships to postgraduate students and hosts annual joint meetings to foster community-university collaboration. This initiative promotes inclusive education and supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

For local residents and equity groups, UniSC runs programs under the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP). These include school-based and community-based aspiration-building activities, academic preparation programs, and enabling pathways such as the Tertiary Preparation Pathway. These efforts target people from low socio-economic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and individuals with disabilities, supporting SDGs 4 and 10.

Citizen science and community partnerships are a top priority for UniSC. The Coast4D project engages local residents and volunteers in monitoring and protecting coastal environments. Other projects included seaweed restoration initiatives and ecological monitoring, which involved numerous community participants.

UniSC runs several outreach educational activities in primary schools that introduce water and sustainability themes to young learners. The MindSET-do program enables STEM workshops for Years 4–12 that include water-related problem-solving and environmental science. The Explore and Emerge Program help students understand career pathways in sustainability and water management through guided activities and competitions and the Buranga Centre Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, connect cultural knowledge with environmental stewardship, including water and land care.

Additionally, UniSC’s secondary outreach programs engage school students through initiatives like Sport for Thought, Creative Writing Excellence, and STEM outreach, which build confidence, leadership, and aspirations for higher education. These programs also include culturally meaningful engagement for Indigenous students, aligning with SDGs 4, 5 (Gender Equality), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Summary

UniSC delivers inclusive outreach education through alumni learning programs, community scholarships, and equity-focused initiatives, fostering lifelong learning and supporting SDG-aligned development across diverse community groups.

More information 

• UniSC Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024
• UniSC Coast4d project
• UniSC Explore program for primary schools