Like many of the students in her course, Kiandra Langdon is the first in her family to go to university.
Ms Langdon, 20, is one of 18 students studying for a bachelor of arts through Federation University and the Wyndham Community and Education Centre (WCEC).
In a first for the university, the degree is being offered through the community centre in a bid to reach students who would otherwise miss out on attending university because of costs, poor VCE results or family issues.
This year’s intake includes three former students from Manor Lakes P-12 College and two former The Grange College students, who were identified by their school as being suitable for the program despite not completing their VCE or achieving low marks.
Ms Langdon said that if Federation University was not offering the degree locally, her dream of attending university would not have been achievable.
“The course is run two days a week so I work to support myself,” she said. “That makes a big difference.”
Federation University deputy vice- chancellor Andy Smith said the partnership with WCEC meant there were more opportunities for people to get university degrees.
“There are many, many obstacles to going to university,” Professor Smith said. “We wanted to lower the barriers that people face by offering the course close to home. If the students can’t come to the university, the university will come to the students.”
WCEC chief executive Jennie Barrera said the program was offering students a chance to tackle disadvantage.
“Research shows the gap between higher education and low-achieving students is wide,” she said.
“This trend results in entrenched disadvantage, and the pattern of inequality continues into higher education. This is an opportunity for young people to connect with higher education.”
Details: www.wyndhamcec.org.au
