Staff from CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement and the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) recently began the recruitment of student mentors at Rockhampton Campus...

AIME matches university students in the role of mentors with Indigenous students studying in secondary schools. Through the mentor relationship, CQUniversity students will be offered a unique opportunity to engage hands-on with Indigenous Australia, while developing their leadership, communication and cultural training and gaining practical experience.  

Discussing AIME are L-R learning management student Daniel Shaw, Prof Bronwyn Fredericks, Jess Timms, Dr Pamela CroftWarcon and AJ Thompson. Daniel was in KISS make-up as a participant in Relay for Life on campus

AIME provides a dynamic educational program that gives Indigenous high school students the skills, opportunities, belief and confidence to finish school at the same rate as their peers.

The program has proven to dramatically improve the chances of Indigenous kids finishing school. AIME also connects students with post Year 12 opportunities, including further education and employment.

AIME's goals for all Indigenous students involved in the program are to: increase Year 10 progression rates; increase Year 12 completion rates; and increase progression to university.

The program has also proven its ability to strengthen the links between universities and local high schools. It supports teachers to become more optimistic about tertiary education being a real option for their Indigenous students; and through a strong relationship with AIME, parents' belief in their child's chances of pursuing a university education is increased.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement said "I was impressed with the enthusiasm shown by students at CQUniversity to sign up to be mentors for the AIME Program".

AJ Thompson discusses AIME with learning management students Mitch Bell and Jacob Borich

"This is an example of where students of the University are giving back to others within the region. I am really proud of the students who have made the commitment to be mentors," Prof Fredericks said.

To find out more about AIME go to: http://www.aimementoring.com/about/program/