Partnership strengthens student pathways
CQUniversity has reaffirmed its commitment to improving education access and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities - announcing its continued partnership with the Cowboys Community Fund.
Through CQUniversity’s support of the NRL Cowboys House Education Program, the Cowboys Community Foundation has been providing specialised tutoring and culturally sensitive support for students and funding staffing costs for teachers and resources to deliver the program.
CQUniversity Associate Vice-President North Queensland Region Kate Harvey said the renewal reflected the University’s commitment to helping young people explore their interests through education.
"Through this partnership, students can build confidence in their learning, experience university life firsthand and develop a greater understanding of the education pathways available to them,” Ms Harvey said.
"We look forward to continuing our work with the Cowboys Community Foundation and supporting students to make informed, purposeful choices about their futures."
Through the extended partnership, CQUniversity will continue working with the Foundation to provide tutoring and tertiary study experiences, helping students build on their classroom learning and explore where their interests could take them beyond Year 12.
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said CQUniversity's continued investment would help students build on their abilities and identify pathways aligned with their aspirations.
"Every young person who comes to NRL Cowboys House brings their own strengths, interests and goals for the future, as well as a unique educational journey," Ms Pelling said.
"Our students come to us with a broad range of learning experiences and needs. Some are performing at or above their year level, while others may arrive with gaps in literacy and numeracy that require more specialised tutoring,” she said.
"CQUniversity's investment allows us to provide targeted tutoring that responds to each student's learning journey, building foundational skills while continuing to challenge those who are eager for further progression into tertiary pathways and higher education.
"When students can connect what they are learning today with the possibilities ahead, they can approach their next steps with confidence."
The partnership also brings tertiary education to life beyond the House.
During a recent visit to CQUniversity's Townsville campus, students took part in interactive activities, explored new interests and stepped inside a university learning environment.
The partnership extension will continue until at least the end of 2029.
