$21m push to help disadvantaged to uni

ABC Updated August 2, 2012, 4:59 pm
The Federal Government has announced a $21 million program aimed at encouraging students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to attend university.

The Bridges to Higher Education Program aims to reach 100,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds and encourage them to seek a tertiary education.

It involves boosting teacher capacity, improving academic outcomes and providing alternative routes to higher education.

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Chris Evans, says the program will boost academic achievement and teach students about alternative paths to university.

“Despite all the changes in Australian society, we’ve not yet been able to ensure equal opportunity to go to university,” he said.

“So this money, this investment is about making sure that happens. The universities have started down this path, but this is the Federal Government really giving them the resources to turn it into a serious effort.”

Senator Evans says while students from disadvantaged backgrounds are capable of attending university they remain under-represented.

“What we know is the kids from homes where mum and dad didn’t go to university, their friends didn’t go to university, they don’t have the same aspirations,” he said.

“They might have the ability but they don’t think it is open to them.
“It is open to you if you do have the capabilities. The opportunity is there for you.”