Uni Steps

UNI STEPS is a portfolio of learning experiences/engagements for local school aged students and community members to engage with the University, to include but not limited to a mix of on campus/ community learning/ online learning/in school/industry experiences.

NUPrep

NUPrep is a set of free short courses offered by the University of Newcastle to help prepare students for tertiary study. The program is designed to: Bridge and refresh important subject knowledge and study skills prior to starting university. Introduce students to what university study expectations and environments are like (e.g., lectures/tutorials/online learning). Provide flexible delivery: on-campus week-long intensive sessions or self paced online courses

The High Performing Students Program

The High Performing Students Program is an opportunity for high school students to try university-level courses while still in high school and upon successful completion, receive credit for future university studies.

Friends on Campus

Friends on Campus is a transition program for high school students in years 10, 11 and 12 who are thinking about studying at university. Staff and students from the University of Newcastle deliver a variety of information sessions in a relaxed and casual setting.

NextGen STEM

NextGen STEM integrates hands-on STEM Challenge Days with digital engagement and resources for teachers and students. The program fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and industry connections, equipping students with the skills needed for Australia's evolving STEM workforce in the defence industry.

Study skills for year 10, 11 and 12 Students

Senior university students who have excelled in their studies and are active in Peer Mentoring roles, deliver sessions to groups of 20 students or less, about the differences of studying in a tertiary education setting compared with high school. The mentors provide study skills booklets prepared by themselves. During the session students can ask questions on all aspects of studying in a university setting.

Staff connecting with aspiring students

These sessions are delivered in late August or early September, just prior to the university application process. Several staff meet with final year high school students looking to begin a tertiary education. The students are divided into groups, and each staff member discusses the admissions process and answers questions relating to university commencement. Staff give the students their email contact details and encourage students to write to them with any questions concerning admission or commencement at a university.

University Acceleration & Enrichment

• University of Newcastle (UoN)
• Newstep/ Yapug / HSC+ programs
• UNE "Early Entry and Enabling" subjects
• Macquarie Leaders & Achievers Program
• UNSW GERRIC programs (Holiday workshops for gifted students)
• USyd STEM Academy
• UTS STEM & IT Summer Schools

University Mentoring

• Undergrad mentors matched to HPGE student interests
• Postgraduate mentor partnerships (particularly STEM/medical)
• School-university working groups for HPGE pathways

Early University Entry Preparation

• Support for UAC admissions pathways (e.g., UON, UNSW, Macquarie, UTS)
• Development of digital portfolios (STEM, arts, writing, design)

Industry Immersion Programs

• Structured industry visits
• Behind-the-scenes workplace tours

Mentoring Programs

• Industry mentors (STEM, creative industries, trades, business)
• Job-shadowing with professionals
• Alumni mentoring from high-achieving past students

Work Experience + High-Challenge Placements

• Work experience tailored to highability learners
• Advanced placements (STEM labs, research centres, creative studios)
• Multi-week industry internships for Year 11/12 HPGE students

Employer-Led Programs

• Westpac Youth Impact
• CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools
• Engineers Without Borders School Outreach
• Deloitte High-Impact Leadership for Youth
• Master Builders "Young Builders" activities
• Ampcontrol and Hunter region engineering initiatives
• Westpac Girls Can Too (STEM/trades)

Partnerships with Specialist Organisations

• Australian Business Community Network (ABCN)
• Rotary/ Lions Youth programs
• AECG/Koori leadership opportunities
• Regional industry councils

Educational Pathways Program

Start Your Future (TAFE taster programs) Career Immersion Programs Head Start -Pre Apprenticeship Program. Students gain competencies towards various qualifications.

Regional Industry Education Program

The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program designs and delivers bespoke opportunities for employers to connect with secondary schools. RIEP officers work to create customised initiatives in various Industries. Examples include Float Your Boat/ Marine Industry, Renewables/ Electrotechnology, Aged Care, Childcare, Trade Readiness Program, Cyber Security and Hospitality.

Regional Development Australia - Hunter ME Program

Examples of programs:

• Women in Aviation Careers Day
• CyberSTEМ
• First Nations STEAM Day
• Defence Industry Breakfast
• STEMOrbital -University of Newcastle

Additional offerings

• Career Expos
• Work Experience/Placement
• SBAT - School Based Apprenticeship and/or Traineeship.
• Industry Mentorship
• Personalised Pathways Planning
• TAFE/EVET

Aligned with "Walking Together, Working Together 2020-2030"

• Wollotuka Institute outreach (UoN)
• Indigenous STEM mentoring (CSIRO)
• AECG leadership programs
• Aboriginal Careers Immersion Days YAKKA (youth leadership & cultural connection programs)
• Dedicated tutoring/extension programs linked to student aspirations
• Pathway planning with AEOs and community mentors

Wollotuka Institute at UoN - Indigenous future pathways programs

Schools to University (S2U) program

Purpose: To inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students (Years 7- 12) to see university as a viable option. Components: Includes school-based programs like iBelieve (Years 7-8) and UAC sessions (Years 11-12), and a campus-based Insight Day (Year 10). Topics: Covers university entry options, alternative entry processes, and support services available through the University of Newcastle and the Wollotuka Institute. Delivery: Delivered by the Student Recruitment team at the Wollotuka Institute to students in the Newcastle and Central Coast regions.