Erika is the La Trobe University Student Recruitment Officer and in this position provides oversight of the Aspire Program. Erika has a background in Paramedicine and recently moved to Bendigo from Queensland before taking up this role. The Aspire Program offers pathways including but not limited to ATAR scores for University entry. In the context of Rotary community engagement is seen as important criteria for tertiary entrance. Early entry offers provide reassurance for students and alleviate the stress associated with "all or nothing" Year 12 examination results. The Aspire Program has contributed significantly to the tertiary and university aspirations of rural students.

 

The Aspire program is made up of three components. The Aspire Community Impact offers students credit for their engagement in community activity. The ATAR entry score for these students is less than what normally would be required. The Aspire Academic Impact stream offers recognition for achievement at Year 11 and provides a "fall back" option for students entering Year 12. The Aspire Everyday Impact stream offers Diploma options to students less capable academically. Erika noted that students in this category often build in confidence and transfer to degree courses. La Trobe is to be congratulated on the recognition and value placed on different learning styles.

 

Application for Community impacts includes a written summary of the community work undertaken and the impact of that work. Students are encouraged to include the names and contact details of referees who have knowledge of their involvement. Community involvement as long as it is voluntary can include social justice initiatives, coaching, contributions to wider family and outreach to the lonely and isolated such as those in Nursing Homes. Written applications are marked and included as part of the application process. Erika noted that engagement in our Club's meetings before school would be a very worthwhile community activity for senior secondary students.

 

Cathie and Colleen commented on how well the Aspire initiatives were received by the year ten students at Marist College when they visited last week. There are mutual benefits for our club and the students. We have the opportunity to be ambassadors for this initiative and with our focus on youth there are many possibilities of ways we can partner with this demographic in service of the community. We thank Erika for her visit and we look forward to ongoing dialogue with La Trobe and the Secondary Schools in our community.