JCU’s Indigenous Summer School sets up students for success

Students from across Queensland have enjoyed a taste of university life as part of the free, week-long program run by JCU’s Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC).

The program is designed to help Indigenous school leavers thrive in tertiary studies and strengthens their skills in maths, academic literacy, chemistry, and essential university study techniques.

The students also spend time with the IERC’s student support team and student mentors, building relationships that will last throughout the program and into their university studies.

Kirwan State High School graduate Emily Waters said she’d heard great things about the program through friends that had been involved in the IERC’s Winter School initiative earlier this year and decided to check it out for herself.

“It's good to see what it's like to be at uni, to get a little bit more independence and feel what it's like to live at the dorms and go to classes each day,” she said.

“There’s so much support for students here through the IERC and we did a tour of the Burralga Yumba accommodation, which was lovely and modern.

“I definitely want to study to become a high school teacher and the program has showed me that even though university is very different to high school, everyone here is willing to help you as much as they can.”

Students arrived at JCU’s Begebu Yumba campus on Sunday afternoon and have spent the week living on campus at Saints College.

On Monday they began their academic classes, learning essential life skills for student success through group work, mini assessments, sports and staff interviews.

Mareeba High School student Regan Deshong is unsure of what he will do next year but said getting a feel for university life has him excited about studying in the future.

“I think I might take a gap year but after that I’d love to come to JCU and study land management and become a ranger, like my dad,” he said.

“It’s been great to try different classes, meet new people, sit exams and learn about university life as I get ready to go off into the big world.”

Indigenous Summer School Program co-ordinator Samara Dargan said the IERC has been thrilled to support Year 12 students from Mareeba, Cairns, Hopevale, Yarrabah, Townsville, Innisfail, Ingham, Mackay and Toowoomba.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to connect with peers who share their interests, gain new skills, and build the confidence to excel in higher education,” she said.

“We’re hoping the program helps them to discover their passion and take the first steps towards a bright future.

"This year, we're proud to celebrate our Winter and Summer School alumni, who have graduated in Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Midwifery and Medicine.

“Our mission is to continue supporting the next generation of Indigenous students, helping them bring the proud legacy of IERC and higher education back to their communities."

The IERC is a leader in providing Indigenous education, research and engagement and celebrates a graduation rate of 120 Indigenous students annually, with dedicated Indigenous personnel offering invaluable guidance and support all year round.