“Unlocking Capacity and Empowering Choices”: Indigenous Students’ Aspirations
Australia's Indigenous population remains significantly underrepresented in higher education. Through focussing on what Behrendt et al. (2012) describe as "unlocking capacity and empowering choices", this project will explore:
- the educational intentions and occupational interests of Indigenous school students from Years 3-12;
- the enablers and barriers to achieving their aspirations recognised by Indigenous students, and their parents and teachers; and
- the understanding Indigenous students convey about the path from school to higher education.
The project aims to contribute to future policy and practice developments through a multifaceted and culturally responsive methodology.
This project received a $134,013 HEPP NPP Grant and is being led by Professor Max Smith and a team of researchers from the University of Newcastle including Professor Jenny Gore, Associate Professor Maree Gruppetta and Dr Adam Lloyd.
Contact CEEHE
- Phone: +61 2 4913 8199
- Email: ceehe@newcastle.edu.au
Banner image by Louis Ndagijimana, (detail) 2021.
The work was developed in a staff and student art workshop at the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.