Camp supports school students aspiring for university

More than 20 senior secondary school students from schools around the Northern Territory are attending a camp at Charles Darwin University (CDU) to gain a glimpse into university life.

The CDU Aspire Dry Season Camp running from July 11 to 15 has invited 26 Year 11 students from schools in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tiwi, Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem to CDU’s Casuarina campus.

During the five-day camp, students will have the chance to engage with a range of CDU’s facilities and colleges, including the library, First Nations Leadership, Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods, Careers Centre, horticulture, nursing, health and human sciences, CDU Global, visual art and Asia Pacific College of Business and Law.

CDU professional staff, academics and alumni will support the students throughout the camp to introduce them to life at the University and encourage them to think about higher education and career pathways.

External stakeholders including Parliament House and Amy Hetherington are also offering students tours and communication workshops to enrich their experience.

CDU Aspire Project Officer Madeline Brodie said the camp would offer many students the valuable opportunity to experience university life first-hand.

“The Dry Season camp is a highlight of the Aspire calendar. Hosting students from across the NT at CDU is a special opportunity for new Aspire students to network with their peers, Aspire alumni and university staff,” Ms Brodie said.

“It is often the first-time students have been to a university campus, so it is incredible to see their excitement grow as they learn about what they could do after school.”

With 72 students in the program across Years 11 and 12, the Aspire Program supports senior secondary school students who experience educational disadvantages and aspire for university.

The Aspire team works with students across the Territory to identify their interests and goals through coaching, workshops, school visits and camps.

The program provides opportunities for students to experience university life and explore future pathways and courses.

More information about the CDU Aspire Program can be found at: www.cdu.edu.au/aspire