Partnership to boost study opportunities for aspiring students

L-R: Professor Gregor Kennedy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Sarah Witty MP, Professor Sherman Young, Pearl Goodwin-Burns, Cinder, Reggie, Kayden Andrew Giles MP, Tom Bentley Deb Tsorbaris, David Miles, Colin Brooks MP. Image: Bec Walton

The University of Melbourne is strengthening its commitment to assisting young people in out‑of‑home care and care leavers access and succeed in post‑secondary education, through a new partnership with the Raising Expectations program.

The program is delivered by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, in partnership with tertiary education providers and the Victorian and Federal Government. It aims to increase the number of young people in out-of-home care and care leavers participating in tertiary education.

University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Gregor Kennedy, said participation in the program was an important milestone for the University as it looked to deliver its Education Strategy.

“At the University of Melbourne, all students are valued, respected, and encouraged to fulfil their talents and potential. We are determined that all students will have equal access to opportunities throughout their higher education journey,” Professor Kennedy said.

“Widening participation for all talented domestic students, regardless of their background, is a vital step in transforming our student profile to better reflect our broader society.”

Dr. Michele Lonsdale, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, welcomed the University of Melbourne to the Raising Expectations program.

“We are delighted to welcome the University of Melbourne to the Raising Expectations program. By breaking down institutional barriers and providing tailored, on‑campus support, we are helping to ensure that tertiary education is accessible, inclusive and achievable for aspiring and current care-experienced students,” Dr Lonsdale said.

The University of Melbourne joins eight other tertiary education providers, including Monash, Deakin and RMIT in the program.

Since its inception, Raising Expectations has seen university enrolments for care leavers in Victoria increase significantly, providing dedicated supports and pathways to help students succeed in their studies.