Currently in its fifth year the Wingara Mura-Bunga Barrabugu (‘A Thinking Path - To Make Tomorrow’ in the Cadigal language) Summer Program is aimed at encouraging indigenous participation in higher education.

According to their interests, students can choose from experiences including: learning about the economy at the Reserve Bank of Australia, writing and recording music, attending NSW Local Court, a hands-on marine biology workshop and creating artworks inspired by Australian artists.

“We have 21 alumni from the Summer and Winter programs currently studying with us, with many more indicating a preference to study at other higher education institutions – a demonstration of the program’s impact,” acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) Professor Juanita Sherwood said.

“The WMBB Summer Program is the culmination of the University’s work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that begins in early high school and ends when our proud graduates leave to join the workforce.” 

Forbes student Whitney Duffy, who took part in the Education and Social Work stream, said being involved in the program was one of the best things she has done.

“At the start, I had no idea what I wanted to do … Yesterday I figured out I wanted to do teaching.”

Ms Duffy said she found out about the program through her school and was encouraged to apply.

The week long program invites indigenous students from Year 10 to Year 12 to take part. Year 12 attendees at the Summer Program will be invited to a Winter Program in June to prepare for their final exams.

For information about the program and how to apply visit: http://sydney.edu.au/wpo/indigenous/summer-program/index.shtml