The LEAP Macquarie Mentoring Program Refugee Mentoring Robert Ephraums Hina Khan Vivienne Lam Macquarie University robert.ephraums@mq.edu.au Macquarie University hina.khan@mq.edu.au Macquarie University vivienne.lam@mq.edu.au Footer to be inserted here 1 The LEAP – Macquarie Mentoring Program • Mentoring program designed for high school students from refugee backgrounds – Promote engagement in education – Promote pathways to higher education • Recruits Macquarie University Students as mentors – Some from refugee backgrounds themselves Footer to be inserted here 2 The LEAP – Macquarie Mentoring Program • Duration: 1 University Semester • Program structure – Part 1: Building Rapport – Part 2: Skill building – Part 3: Investigation of Higher Education • Campus Visit Footer to be inserted here 3 The LEAP – Macquarie Mentoring Program • Aims: • develop confidence, resilience and agency • Broaden aspirations towards further study • develop social and cultural capital within the tertiary education system • develop an awareness of school and university cultures and expectations in the Australian context • increase understanding of tertiary education pathways. Footer to be inserted here 4 The LEAP – Macquarie Mentoring Program • Mentoring occurs in small groups – 1 mentor and 2 mentees – Weekly basis for one hour • In 2013… – 8 high schools – 193 High School Students – 98 LEAP Macquarie Mentors Footer to be inserted here 5 Why the need for flexible new approaches? • Heterogeneous group of students – Great variability due to… • • • • • pre settlement and settlement experiences Language ability Prior level of schooling Current academic level Educational aspirations • Flexible and holistic approach is necessary to meet the diverse needs of these students Footer to be inserted here 6 Needs-based Mentoring – a flexible approach engaging students • Holistic approach to educational engagement – Mentors work with students on more than just academic areas • Responsive and flexible approach to student engagement – Allows the program to work with the students on the areas they feel are important. – Allows students to take ownership of the program Footer to be inserted here 7 2013 Program outcomes • 96% of students reporting improved motivation to study university • 92% of students reporting improved confidence to study university • 92% of students reporting improved awareness of pathways to university Footer to be inserted here 8 Program Outcomes “Before I participate in this program, I was thinking about dropping out of school, thinking about what's a use of going to school if I know that I won't have enough ATAR to get into uni. Now I know there are many other programs to help me get into uni. Tha[n]ks to this program.” Footer to be inserted here 9 Program Outcomes “I use to think it is impossible to make it because im from a different background however I was surprised when I seen a lot of mentors from different backgrounds” Footer to be inserted here 10 Thank you! Q&A Footer to be inserted here 11