Did you know that only 2.8% of kids in out-of-home care make it to university, compared to 38% of the general population?
Image: A group of young people walking into a building at the University of Sydney. Every Story Matters - Logo.
The University of Sydney has partnered up with Life Without Barriers to launch a program aimed at increasing access to higher education for young people in out-of-home care.
This new program seeks to address this gap by providing young individuals with an immersive university experience so they can grow confidence in accessing higher education.
On a recent visit, Tim,16, who is in out-of-home care, expressed his initial reluctance.
“I didn’t want to come today because I was nervous, but now I’m having so much fun. I think I would consider coming here in the future,” Tim said.
Image: Two young people stand on the grounds of the University of Sydney.
Dr. Steve Georgakis, Senior Lecturer at Sydney University, emphasised the importance of role modelling and exposure.
“Role modelling is crucial for young people. Seeing a university and meeting international students can significantly shift their perspective,” he said.
The program features a peek into university life, offering the opportunity to explore the university campus, engage with international students and immerse themselves in the university experience. Kaden (16) was particularly impressed by the university’s sports facilities.
“I didn’t know they had so much sport here,” Kaden said.
“I really want to come here when I finish school.”
Image: A young person looks at a display case.
Lorna Genoud, Education Consultant at Life Without Barriers, said education is a right that all children must access and exposure to the child protection system should not be a barrier.
“You cannot be what you cannot see. Simply exposing young people in care to university facilities and connecting them with peers who share similar experiences significantly enhances the accessibility of higher education and the chance they will consider University as an option.” Lorna said.
For young people in out-of-home care, there are barriers to higher education. Young people may assume that university is like school, they may have had negative educational experiences, or not understand that university is an option available to them. They may be the first in their family to consider going to university.
Shifting perspective can be eye-opening for these young people as they start to realise what is available to them.
Hayley, 13, who interacted with international students during the visit, shared,
“If nice people like you come here, then I think I could come here,” Hayley said.
Image: A group of young people walking on the grounds of the University of Sydney.
The collaboration between Sydney University and Life Without Barriers represents a significant step towards making higher education more accessible and inclusive for all young people, regardless of their background.
"For too long, the prospect of university has remained out of reach for many young people in out-of-home care, overshadowed by feelings of uncertainty and apprehension. However, through immersive experiences, we are helping to rewrite this narrative for our young people," Lorna said.
