Swinburne Commits to Raising Expectations for Young People in State Care

More young people leaving state care can now access scholarships and study supports with Swinburne University of Technology joining the award-winning Raising Expectations project. 

Swinburne joins Federation University Australia and La Trobe University in providing targeted services and resources to care leavers.

Prospective and current students who have spent time in out-of-home care now have access to personalised support, including help with choosing and applying for courses at Swinburne.

“It’s fantastic to have Swinburne University on board to raise expectations for students who have spent time in out-of-home care,” said Deb Tsorbaris, CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.

“We know that young people with care backgrounds can face significant barriers when it comes to accessing university or TAFE,” said Ms Tsorbaris.

“A bit of extra support can go a long way for a young person who may not feel like they can go to higher education.”

When the Raising Expectations project began in mid-2015, fewer than 50 care leavers were studying at Federation University Australia and La Trobe University

In 2018, over 200 care leavers were studying across the two universities.

“We look forward to supporting more care leavers to follow their dreams and realise their potential.”

Funding from the Department of Education and Training has assisted in this partnership. 

The full list of services and supports available through Swinburne can be found here. 

You can also read stories from care leavers who are now studying at Swinburne. 

For Media Enquiries please contact:

Deb Tsorbaris, CEO Centre for Excellence – 0417 599 869