Widening participation
Widening participation programs aim to support students from groups who have long been under-represented in higher education.
The goal is to increase levels of university participation of these under-represented groups to levels which reflect their representation in the broader Australian population.
The equity groups covered by widening participation programs typically include:
- students from regional, rural and remote areas;
- students who are the first in their family to study higher education
- low socioeconomic status (SES) students;
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students;
- students with disability; and
- students from non-English speaking backgrounds.
In an area where only 10.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, CUC Macleay Valley is committed to breaking down barriers by providing local access to educational resources.
Growth through sharing and storytelling
Keeping abreast of the changing community needs, CUC Macleay Valley currently offers the following programs under our overarching theme :
- Career Ideas (Year 5 and 6)
- Sharing Stories (Year 7 and 8)
- HSC Study Hub (Year 11 and 12)
- First Year & Returning to Study Program
For more information or to book a session for your school please reach out to Our Team or contact us on 0477 266 106
Our program development journey
History of the program
CUC Macleay Valley actively engages in the development of programs tailored to needs within our local community. Following extensive consultation with school staff, business owners, current university students, graduates, and other community stakeholders, it was determined that developing a program focused on managing transitions of change would benefit individuals in the Macleay Valley.
Commencing in 2023, students from the Australian National University (ANU) and local students at CUC Macleay Valley (CUCMV) collaborated in the creation of a program to support Macleay Valley’s Year 7 and 8 school students in reflecting on their strengths and how they had used them to navigate their transition from primary to secondary school. We visited both of Kempsey’s two state-run high schools for a day, facilitating multiple sessions at each school. Through this, we aimed to build students’ confidence and self-efficacy to navigate future transitions and changes.
The program ended with a range of practical learnings for all participants and has helped guide CUC Macleay Valley with the development of new programs.
In 2024, a new offering of Zines and Reels (Year 7 and 8) from the Macleay Valley was drafted, it focused on the application of creative arts skills in small print media publishing and short-video production. This was trialled at one local state-run high school and has been streamlined into a re-formatted program presented in 2025.
During 2024, Western Sydney University (WSU) provided technical expertise and resources for the development of an offering for primary-aged students. During mentor workshops consideration of how to work with younger students was discussed and associated activities were developed. In 2025, key CUCMV staff participated in delivering the WSU Outreach program ‘First Foot Forward’ in Western Sydney, which provided significant insight and an impetus for the delivery of a similar program in the Macleay Valley.
2025 Canberra Forum – Presentation
CUC Macleay Valley are proud to be involved in the National Regional University Study Hub Widening Participation Form to be held at the Australian National University, Canberra.
On Tuesday 18th November at 10.35am we will deliver a simultaneous sessions presentation under the title:
My Vibe – Growth through sharing and storytelling
This co-designed program engages students in storytelling, reflection, and mentoring with ANU students. Delivered through CUC Macleay Valley, it builds confidence, strengthens self-awareness, and helps students explore future pathways by recognising their values, strengths, and connections within community and culture.
A copy of the presentation will be available post the event.
Program Resources
As part of the National Regional University Study Hub Widening Participation Form presentation a sample of Program Resources will be available for download during the event. Attendees will be able to access these via a QR Code on our poster at the event.
We look forward to seeing you in Canberra!
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