Foretaste of university life

STUDENTS from two Cranbourne schools got a taste of university life this month at the inaugural Monash University Casey Challenge.
The challenge gave 40 Year 9 and 10 students from Alkira Secondary College and Cranbourne East Secondary College the opportunity to gain a real feel for university life by attending lectures, touring the grounds and working on assignments with university mentors.
In conjunction with Monash University, City of Casey designed the program to provide further opportunities for young people to explore pathways into tertiary education.
The event wrapped up with an awards ceremony, hosted by City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, where Cranbourne East Secondary College was awarded first prize for the winning assignment.
Winning students were presented with gift cards, and a perpetual cup will reside with the winning school each year.
“Everyone who participated on the day did an exceptional job,” Cr Stapledon said.
“It is reported that students in Casey have significantly lower levels of tertiary education in comparison to greater Melbourne, and we hope the challenge will raise the aspirations of students in the region.”