Creating a better future

Giving students from disadvantaged backgrounds better opportunities to pursue university education is the aim of a new partnership between the University of Adelaide and The Smith Family.

The University will contribute $90,500 to The Smith Family's Learning for Life program across three years. The Smith Family is a national, independent social enterprise that supports disadvantaged children and their families to create a better future through education.

The funds are being directed towards the personal and educational support of students in the western and north-western suburbs of Adelaide who would otherwise face financial barriers to study.

Learning for Life provides disadvantaged students with financial and personal support to help keep them in the education system, increasing their chances of breaking out of the cycle of disadvantage.

"The University of Adelaide sees this community partnership with The Smith Family as a perfect alignment of two organisations that understand the importance of education in shaping our destinies," University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha says.

"The Smith Family's Learning for Life program dovetails with the objectives of the University of Adelaide's Fairway Scheme, designed to increase chances of university entry for students from regional areas and also schools that are traditionally under-represented at university level."

Anna Smith, Access and Equity Officer, in the University's Prospective Students Office, is co-ordinating activities and support for the new Learning for Life students.

This year they will be linked in with the University's SmoothStart program run by Student Support Services. The aim is to assist students from under-represented groups to integrate successfully into university life through mentoring, peer support networks and social activities to help them make friends.

Anna is also developing on-campus activities for Learning for Life students still at school so they can become familiar with the university environment and get a taste of the potential study opportunities.

The Smith Family's South Australian General Manager, Grant Goodall says: "Many of the students on our Learning for Life program are the first in their family to attend university, so these sessions will be particularly valuable in helping students find their feet.

"Our research clearly demonstrates that a good education can prevent financial hardship later in life. We strongly believe that students who have the capacity and desire to study at a higher level shouldn't be limited by financial disadvantage. We're delighted that the University of Adelaide shares our conviction and is prepared to make such a significant contribution."

Professor McWha adds: "The aim of this partnership is not only to improve the educational outcomes and aspirations of these students and ultimately to increase their participation in tertiary education, but also to enhance the University's interaction with the broader community in a tangible way".

Story Robyn Mills