Case Studies. Partnerships in the Youth Sector

Inspire Peer Mentoring Program

Flinders University in partnership with local secondary schools

The Inspire Peer Mentoring Program aims to increase retention and participation in education for ‘at risk’ students in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. Inspire targets students at risk of disengaging from their education, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds, Indigenous students, students with disabilities, students from non-English speaking backgrounds and students who are under the Guardianship of the Minister. It supports students to complete their secondary education, enter appropriate further education or employment and, if entering University, complete their studies and progress into employment.

The program matches Flinders University students as mentors to young students at local secondary schools. By being immersed in the classroom as co-learners or as peers, the mentors bring their own study skills, knowledge, passion and interest in their subject area to their contact with students in schools or community based education programs.

“Teachers are an ageing population. For the students, this is an opportunity to relate to someone who is young. It’s also an opportunity for our students to mix with academically successful young people who give them a message, just by their presence, that it’s possible to go to Uni; it’s possible to do things beyond their everyday cultural experience. It opens up windows to another world”. – Janet.

What worked in the Inspire Peer Mentoring Program?

Building a strong relationship with the school
Involving university students who are committed to their own learning and to being role models
Using a community development approach
Inviting participating schools to come together on campus for a partners’ conference