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The University of Western Australia has been awarded $2.4 million to help disadvantaged students from the Pilbara and the outer Perth metropolitan area to achieve their dreams of a university education.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced in Canberra today that the University's ‘Aspire UWA' program would receive the funding over three years from the Federal Government's Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund.

UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, said The University had been a long-time advocate of equity and inclusion.

"This University has a proud history of assisting students to commence and complete a university degree, through its scholarships and support services," he said.  "This funding will enable us to expand our outreach program, working in conjunction with companies and organisations to create better opportunities for high school students."

Professor Robson said that financial and other disadvantages should never be barriers to learning.

The program is aimed at Indigenous, refugee and low socio-economic status students from the Pilbara region and from schools in the outer Perth metropolitan area who are under-represented at universities.

Under the program, UWA will engage with education, industry and community organisations in these areas to engage and support student aspirations.

This will include industry partnerships, engagement with parents, alumni mentors and partnerships with local churches, sporting and cultural groups, as well as local authorities and community organisations.

The University has committed substantial in-kind resources (around $1.25 million) to support the program.  It has received strong endorsement from industry partners and community organisations in Western Australia.

Expressions of in-principle support have been received from major mining and energy companies operating in the Pilbara as well as the Pilbara Development Commission, the Pilbara Area Consultative Committee, The Smith Family and Professor Fiona Stanley.

Media references

Professor Alan Robson  (+61 8)  6488 2809
Dr Judy Skene (Student Support Services)  (+61 8)  6488 2424
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716