The aim of the Higher Expectations Program (Secondary) is to develop the capability of future leaders from Cape York. The program identifies and supports academically talented Indigenous students from throughout the Cape, Palm Island and Yarrabah communities so that they can complete secondary education and progress to university studies. HEP (Secondary) is sponsored by Macquarie Group Foundation and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) through the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP).

The funding we have received during 2008 and 2009 has covered tuition and boarding fees so that the identified students can attend one of nine high performing boarding schools in Queensland. Our sponsors also provide funding to support the development of individual leadership planning and leadership workshops, mentoring, orientation activities extra curriculum and study tours.

The HEP program also provides much of the assistance that parents or guardians need to send their children to leading boarding schools, together with a wide range of services to help students achieve their full potential once they have enrolled. The support strategy includes use of tutors, mentors, role-models, weekend home stay families and counsellors (all of whom are all indigenous if possible).

The program also provides cultural awareness sessions with all staff in direct contact with Indigenous students. This helps alleviate the culture shock and transitioning issues that occur with youth who are used to small and remote community life and extended family involvement.

Rationale for Higher Expectations Program (Secondary)

Many of Cape York's Indigenous young people are not successfully participating in the Australian education system and drop-out rates are staggering. The likelihood that a Year 7 student will complete Year 12 and continue into tertiary study is slim. Indeed, CYI research from August 2004 suggests that of all Cape York students who will complete primary school, 75 per cent will drop out before Grade 12, which is significantly below the national average.

HEP (Secondary) seeks to change these statistics. HEP (Secondary) funds a select handful of students who choose to attend boarding schools that have very high rates of tertiary offers. Due to their tertiary focus we refer to such schools as 'Higher Expectations' schools. Although only a fraction of Cape York students will participate, their success (i.e. completion of secondary school and enrolment in tertiary studies) will greatly impact Cape York statistics and provide Cape York communities with a pool of talented and educated future leaders.

CURRENT WORK

HEP (Secondary) now has 36 students from 15 communities. In 2006, the first HEP student Leona Yunkaporta from Aurukun graduated from Year 12, with 6 other students graduating since then all of whom are currently undetaking tertiary studies.

Who to contact in relation to HEP (Secondary)

If you are interested in further information about HEP (Secondary), please contact Mr Preben Mindamarra, Manager HEP Secondary preben.mindamarra@cyi.org.auor Mr John Wenitong, National Indigenous Education Development Officer john.wenitong@cyi.org.auor the Cape York Institute of 07 4046 0600

How to apply for HEP (Secondary)

Applications for HEP (Secondary) 2010 closes July 31st 2009.

The documentation for HEP (Secondary) 2010 is posted here:

HEP Information Package 2010

HEP Application Package 2010

News and key documents

Leadership Programs newsletter June 2008

'Program meets high hopes', Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, 27 November 2007
Article supplied courtesy of The Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton

'Success for education scheme',Torres News, 28 November 2007
Article supplied courtesy of The Torres Strait News, Thursday Island

'Graduation for Cape Students',Tablelands Advertiser, 28 November 2007

'Program lives up to expectations',North Queensland Register, 29 November 2007
Article supplied courtesy of the North Queensland Register

PRESS RELEASE: HEP Launch

NEWS: New schools join HEP

EWS: 'Tackling the National Disgrace' : Response to Luke Slattery's article in the Australian Financial Review