For Indigenous students like Leah and Tasmin, getting to university isn’t always a straight path. That’s where RISE with La Trobe comes in, a program that supports Indigenous high school students to explore uni life, build confidence and feel connected before they even enrol.
What is RISE?
RISE is La Trobe’s Indigenous Pathway program for students in Years 9 to 12. It helps students connect early with the Indigenous Student Services team, explore study options and access tailored support. The goal is to make La Trobe feel familiar and welcoming before students even start their degrees.
Meet Leah and Tasmin, La Trobe students and RISE student ambassadors
Leah, now in her second year of Social Work at La Trobe’s Melbourne (Bundoora) campus, joined RISE in 2022.
“I had first attended my first Rise Program in 2022 where I attended a cultural camp out at Bacchus Marsh. I then also attended another camp organised by RISE in 2023, forming friendships and connections, getting to know the campus and learning about courses had helped me decide to come study at La Trobe.”
Tasmin, who is studying Criminology, also joined RISE in 2022 during Year 11, starting with a camp at the Melbourne (Bundoora campus) followed by a cultural camp in Bacchus Marsh.
“Both experiences were fun, valuable and supportive. After these camps, I chose to do the Tertiary Preparation Program and RISE ensured I had tutoring and the support needed to complete TPP.”
“RISE has introduced me to new friends, shown me the campus and helped me discover possible study pathways.”
A taste of uni life
RISE camps bring students together from across Victoria and the NT for cultural connection, hands-on workshops and a real taste of uni life.
“Before joining RISE, I initially thought that university would require a lot of hard work and effort and a heavy load of studying,” said Leah.
It gave me the reassurance that university isn’t that scary, it is also full of opportunities and rewarding challenges to develop growth.”
Support that makes a difference
Since 2023, 39 Indigenous students have enrolled at La Trobe through RISE. Many, like Leah and Tasmin, have become Student Ambassadors, helping run camps and supporting others.
“The support from Simone and Jake before I came to university made me feel so relieved… they made me feel welcomed and that I had a place where I could go on campus,” said Tasmin.
“Will be forever thankful for these amazing people,” said Leah.
Know someone thinking about uni?
RISE can help them get there
If you know someone who is interested about getting into uni, RISE can help. Already at La Trobe? You can support RISE by spreading the word or being a friendly face on campus.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Contact the Indigenous Student Services team: Indigenous_enquiries@latrobe.edu.au