The Schools Network Access Program (SNAP) is an access scheme developed in 2001 to enhance the access of students from designated Victorian secondary schools to Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and University programs at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). SNAP is based on an evaluation by the secondary school of students’ potential and capacity to succeed and a student statement supported by a range of outreach activities, folio preparation scholarships and capability building at the school level. The main target group are students from low socio-economic background. The scheme has shown good outcomes: in 2014, 1,415 students from over 100 SNAP partner schools started their programs at RMIT through the SNAP priority access scheme and SNAP students are represented across 98% of RMIT programs.
Equity Cases
The UTS U @ Uni Schools Outreach program is a key component of the UTS Widening Participation Strategy which provides a whole-of-university approach to increase the number of students from under-represented communities successfully completing university study.
Developed in 2009, the UQ Young Achievers Program supports the tertiary study and career aspirations of motivated secondary school students from low-income families who might not otherwise have access to university. Key activities include mentoring; on-campus experiences; information on university study options, pathways and application processes; opportunities for personal growth; and financial assistance. Since 2009, more than 480 Young Achievers have been supported by the programme, which shows a high level of success in facilitating participation in higher education of students from low-socio-economic backgrounds.
