The first successful cohort of students has graduated from Griffith University’s EmpowerED program, an alternate pathway that helps students gain university entry without an ATAR ranking.
EmpowerED Academic Director Associate Professor Amanda Daly said the comprehensive new bridging program prepared students for success at university and built confidence in their own ability to achieve their goals.
“Over the six-month program, EmpowerED students have grown in confidence and readiness to navigate life at university,” Associate Professor Daly said.
“The supportive learning environment helped students to build connections and develop a sense of belonging in the university environment.
“Students developed academic skills to prepare them for a wide range of disciplines and explored different educational and career pathways.”
Graduating the program with the first cohort and now enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work, Elspeth Kirkpatrick was looking forward to beginning her degree.
With a Grade 10 certificate, Ms Kirkpatrick left her hometown of Tamworth to work with a fire systems company, and advanced to operations manager and part-owner in 12 years.
“The program does a good job of introducing you to university-style teaching and learning, which is much different to high school,” she said.
“Students are more accountable at university, but the program is nurturing and they do a good job of bridging the divide.”
Wellesley Kohu, formerly a carpenter and currently working in logistics, also finished with the first cohort.
“Prior to the EmpowerED program, I tried a few online university courses, but they didn’t teach us how to study or provide any additional support,” Kohu said.
“The EmpowerED program made the transition to study easy, and I felt like it was a nice gradual process, which gently built my confidence and study skills.
“I’ve made great connections with other students in my class and I found the students really supported each other.”
Megan Reid studied the program online and said she received support and encouragement to explore multiple career options and study pathways.
“Online study was really convenient for me as a single mum to my beautiful little one-year-old boy, Charlie,” Reid said.
“I’m now looking forward to starting a Bachelor of Business and studying human resources management.”
Students who successfully complete the EmpowerED program with a 4.0 grade point average or more will be eligible for guaranteed admission into a range of degrees.
Guaranteed admission applies to rank only and all other requirements for admission such as additional prerequisites should also be met.
EmpowerED is available online and in-person at the Gold Coast and Logan campuses and is available as a part-time course for students who require some flexibility to manage other commitments.
To apply, or to learn more about EmpowerED, visit www.griffith.edu.au/apply/admission-pathways/bridging-and-enabling-programs/empowered.
