Staff from the Office of Indigenous Engagement, Marketing, the Development and Alumni Relations Directorate, and the Academic Registrar Directorate recently had their first meeting to kick-start CQUniversity's roll-out of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME).

Representatives from these areas will sit on the University's AIME Committee.

AIME Committee members L-R Billie Walker, Helen Newell, Robina Mann, Bronwyn Fredericks, Darren Brady (AIME) and Melinda Mann-Yasso

This is the first time that AIME has been offered in a regional area in Queensland. The 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 "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".

"This initiative 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," she said.

The CQUniversity AIME Committee will meet regularly over the next three years to ensure the program's implementation.

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