A successful RACE – Victoria project renewed for 2026

CQUniversity Australia’s Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education (RACE) in Agriculture program has been extended to run through to the end of 2026 across Victoria - thanks to renewed funding from the Victorian State Government. 

More than1800 students from 43 schools attended a RACE – Victoria Agri-tech Roadshow or Food and Fibre Industry School Partnership (FFISP) in 2025, far exceeding delivery targets. 

CQU Interim Director of the Institute for Future Farming Systems Associate Professor Amy Cosby said that RACE – Victoria would continue to provide engaging experiences that increased students understanding, confidence, interest and motivation for pursuing a pathway to one of the many different careers in the world of agricultural work. 

“The continuation of the program is a testament to the impact it has had in regional Victoria, and we have seen the results come through that our program is making a difference,” Assoc Prof Cosby said. 

FFISP provides students the opportunity to engage directly with their local agricultural industry through incursions and excursions to understand pathways and careers of interest.

“Promisingly, there was a 35 per cent increase for secondary students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture after participating in a FFISP,” Assoc Prof Cosby said.

During roadshows, students participated in hands-on STEM activities that challenged stereotypes about agricultural work. 

“Learning about agricultural production and the technology utilised in the industry is important not only to attract our next generation workforce, but also because it provides an opportunity to educate young people about the sustainable and innovative ways in which we grow our food, supporting our social licence to operate and encouraging the purchase of Australian produce,” Assoc Prof Cosby said. 

“It’s also heartening to see that students aren’t just learning by engaging with the program, they are having fun with it too. 

“Almost 95 per cent of primary students and 70 per cent of secondary students reported enjoying getting out of the classroom and seeing agriculture firsthand.”

The innovative program has been running for five years, previously being delivered in Gippsland between 2020–2023 and the Goulburn Murray between 2023–2024. In those initial years, the project facilitated agricultural career exploration experiences to more than 4000 students in the Gippsland and Goulburn Murray regions.

Assoc Prof Cosby said it was a record she was proud of. 

“We’re excited to be able to continue this work and maintain the momentum that we’ve created.” 

Opportunities for primary and secondary schools to participate in RACE – Victoria in 2026 are currently open and an expression of interest can be submitted by emailing the Ag Education team.