Seen, heard and supported

That is the gap our U@Uni Academy program seeks to bridge. By opening the door to students from underrepresented backgrounds and giving them the opportunity to build a sense of belonging at UTS, we are working towards dismantling structural barriers.

In turn, our campus is strengthened and enriched by the diversity of perspectives, experiences and identities that reflect the society we serve.

Held during the July school holidays, the U@Uni Winter School is an immersive, week-long program designed to help Year 11 students see university not just as a possibility, but as a place where they belong. This year, 440 students from 31 schools across Greater Sydney took part in hands-on faculty-based projects, working closely with UTS academics and mentors to explore areas like business, media, engineering, design, health, education, law and science.

‘It’s not like you’re playing around, it’s serious – and they give you a touch of the real world at a young age,’ said Yohana Assi from Liverpool Boys High School, who joined the Business Winter School workshops.

‘It’s nice to see what the life of a uni student is. I want to understand more about the business course, so when I study at UTS I know what I am doing and I am nailing down my ambitions and passions.’

'The program does this by showing students they are capable of the work and by providing a sense of belonging and connection.'

Making university more accessible, inclusive and responsive to students from all backgrounds is the core of the U@Uni Academy and the UTS Pathways Plan – our strategic framework for widening participation at UTS. Since launching in 2020, the U@Uni Academy has offered places to more than 1,000 students, opening doors to higher education that might otherwise have remained closed.

A key part of the program’s success is its tailored, student-first approach. Rather than expecting students to adapt to university, U@Uni adapts the university experience to meet students where they are – academically, socially and culturally.

‘I’ve learned a lot of people here are friendly and willing to teach you – if you are willing to ask,’ says Yohana. ‘It was actually kind of surprising – I went in not knowing what was going to happen. The teachers were very friendly and showed us lots of hospitality and generosity.’

When students like Yohana and Patiola see themselves belonging at university, their ambitions gain direction and momentum. That’s where real change begins – not just in their futures, but in ours, and in the society we’re all helping to shape.