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Until November 18, students as young as five are walking out of Bonython Hall with caps, gowns, and graduation certificates in hand after undergoing pathways programs. Year 3 student Oliver Du Bois and year 4 student Ada Fels from Hawker Area School made the 5-hour trip to Adelaide for one of eleven ceremonies, where over 3,000 students are graduating this year.

CUAA presents students with the chance to come onto campus and experience the university world through activities which are linked in some way to a University course, offering students a taste of tertiary education. Opportunities are provided outside of regular school activities, in collaboration with local businesses and industry partners.

“By visiting university campuses and engaging with industry partners, children are introduced to the possibilities of higher education and career pathways, transforming what may have once seemed out of reach into a realistic future,” explains Kiri��Hagenus, Managing Director of CUAA.

The initiative begun in the UK in the 1990s, where it is now offered globally. The University of Adelaide launched CUAA in Australia in 2013, where it saw the program’s potential for exponential impact.

“CUAA believes every child deserves an equitable and inclusive education to reach their full potential; however, research reveals that many young people in Australia still face barriers to success based on family wealth, location, cultural background, and the social advantages these factors can bring,” Ms Hagenus says.

“By creating unique, meaningful opportunities outside the classroom, CUAA helps young people develop vital skills for the future.”

This year, 4,894 students and families participated in CUAA across South Australia, with Children’s University collectively working with 11,665 children and families from 99 communities across Australia and New Zealand.

Families, friends, and schools come together at the annual graduation ceremonies to recognise students’ growth and inspire conversations about their future education pathways.

“The Children's University graduation ceremonies are truly special events that celebrate each child’s commitment to learning and their dedication to exploring new interests,” says Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Adelaide.

“These ceremonies go beyond a traditional graduation; they are filled with excitement, pride, and a strong sense of achievement for both the students and their families.”

Children aged five to 14 are offered a wide range of hands-on experiences, including high-tech labs, zookeeper visits, museum hunts and engineering workshops. Young people aged 15 to 18 can engage in a volunteer program that provides a gateway into leadership and social impact, with roles that build skills while contributing to the community.

The CUAA program is open to all children, with a particular focus on supporting those in disadvantaged communities through dedicated funding and extra resources.

“Designed with inclusivity in mind, CUAA activities combine each child’s interests, community values, and educational aspirations,” Ms Hagenus says.

“The result is a program that empowers young people to dream bigger, achieve more, and see higher education as an achievable goal.”

Former CUAA participant Dua Anees, now a graduate of Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Adelaide, says the program opened her eyes to new opportunities, empowering her to pursue her dreams.

“Before CUAA, I didn’t like trying new things, but CUAA gave me confidence,” she recalls. “It helped me land my first job and encouraged me to keep learning.”

In September this year, Children’s University was named an ABA100® Winner for Community Contribution in the Australian Business Awards 2024. This adds to its long list of accolades, including the Engagement Australia Excellence Awards, Outstanding Achievement in the Australian Charity Awards, Winnovation Awards for Social Impact, and Northern Awards for Outstanding Work with Young People, among many others.

Find out more about Children’s University Australasia and Africa here.