Over 60 Beacon Student Ambassadors from 11 different schools spent the day at Curtin University last Wednesday as part of their induction day, which aims to introduce the students to their newly appointed role as Ambassadors.
Beacon is a not-for-profit organisation that works with 14,000 students in over 130 schools throughout Australia to provide programs to inspire and motivate students to either stay in school or choose a positive pathway that leads to employment, training or further education.
This is the first year that Curtin has worked with the Beacon program.
The induction day is designed to educate the Student Ambassadors on how to drive the Beacon program within their schools. They learn how to engage businesses and community to expose fellow students to real experiences and inspire them to make more informed choices about their further education, training or careers.
As part of the day’s program, the Curtin Business School’s Communication Skills Centre presented a session on public speaking tips and techniques, which the Ambassadors can use when promoting the Beacon program in the future.
Mr Scott Harris, Beacon’s Chief Executive, said the program generally focused on low socio-economic status schools, where engaging students in practical, solution-based programs can and does change lives.
“Part of Beacon’s strength is the ability to mobilise the school, parents and businesses in the community to create positive opportunities and knowledge for skills development,” Mr Harris said.
Professor Jill Downie, Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education, said the University was pleased to partner with Beacon for the induction day, which provided opportunities for the Ambassadors to develop their skills which they could then take into the classroom.
“Curtin is committed to increasing access to higher education for people from low socio-economic backgrounds and Student Ambassadors play a critical role in assisting fellow students to make informed choices about their futures,” Professor Downie said.
“We know that education changes lives and providing support at key points in the decision-making process is essential so that aspiring students don’t feel that it’s too hard, scary or not suitable for them.”
The Beacon Foundation works in more than 130 secondary schools across all Australian states and territories. Beacon aims to increase student aspirations, skills and opportunities through linking schools with business and the community.
More information about the Beacon Foundation can be found at http://beaconfoundation.com.au/
