Professor Delves at the launchCQU and The Smith Family will collaborate to encourage more disadvantaged students to consider university, working together to support students in achieving their educational and life ambitions.

The organisations have signed up for a collaborative partnership, initially over three years, to ensure disadvantaged students are fully aware of the options and support services available to them when making post school plans.

The partnership will also give students who are considering a tertiary education the opportunity to be involved in CQU's various bridging programs and activities that provide a stepping stone to university, as well as CQU's range of student support programs and scholarships.

Under the agreement, CQU will brief The Smith Family's Learning for Life workers about higher education options to better equip workers to encourage students and their families to take part in CQU outreach activities.

CQU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Delves signed the new collaborative agreement with The Smith Family on Thursday May 24, during the Queensland Resources Expo in Rockhampton.

Professor Delves said the Learning for Life program was consistent with the University's vision to provide gateways for people with different learning styles to achieve their goals and that the program would be embraced by staff and integrated across the University.

The Smith Family's Queensland general manager, Kate Ashton, said The Smith Family is committed to ensuring financially disadvantaged students have the opportunity to pursue their education, and welcomed the opportunity to work with CQU to nurture the aspirations of disadvantaged students throughout the Central Queensland region.

Professor Delves, Mayor Margaret Strelow and Kate Ashton