Country Universities Centre Goulburn – stronger with our partners

Stronger with partners: On Course

At Country Universities Centre (CUC) Goulburn, we’re committed to helping students explore their options for further study and making university more accessible in our region. That’s our slogan: ‘Bringing degrees closer’, and we know that meaningful steps towards this goal can only happen when we collaborate with our community and university partners.

The On Course program is a great example of such work – the result of a partnership with the University of Canberra, Australian National University, and the University of Wollongong, and made possible by the support from our local high schools Mulwaree High, Goulburn High, Trinity College, and Crookwell High.

What is On Course?

On Course is a Year 10 outreach program designed to support students in the Goulburn Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan regions as they explore their education and career options. As part of the Eastern Australian Regional University Centres Partnership (EARUCP) and funded by the Federal Government, the program helps students consider their future pathways and demonstrates that higher education is within reach.

In 2024, On Course focussed on two key areas:

• Mentor training—local university students are trained to support and guide Year 10 students.
• Outreach delivery—mentors engage with Year 10 students through interactive sessions about career possibilities and education pathways, helping build their confidence in making future study decisions.

Why mentorship matters

Many students in our region are the first in their families to consider university. Having relatable role models provides valuable support. Our mentors—local students who are progressing through their own university journeys—offer guidance, encouragement, and insights to help Year 10 students explore their options with confidence. The mentorship program focuses on:

• raising awareness of career and study options
• sharing experiences to ease the transition to higher education
• helping students identify their strengths and aspirations.

Connecting with local schools

On Course wouldn’t be possible without the support of our local high schools, including Crookwell High, Goulburn High, Mulwaree High, and Trinity Catholic College Goulburn. Some highlights of the program include:

• career planning and study pathway sessions
• hands-on activities linking school subjects to future opportunities
• opportunities to connect with mentors and ask questions.

Working closely with schools and teachers, we help students see how their education connects to their future goals.

Our community of support

At CUC Goulburn, we believe it takes a collective effort to support young people on their educational journey. In 2025, we’re excited to expand the program to include more year levels, with a Year 7 careers ‘taster’ day currently in planning.