• Central West Leadership Academy has received a $1,000 Charles Sturt University Community Partnership grant to increase science learning resources for students

Charles Sturt University has helped a Dubbo school take its science lessons to new heights through the 2023 Community University Partnerships (CUP) Grants.

The Central West Leadership Academy received a $1,000 Education Development grant under the CUP Grant Program to put towards science equipment such as Bunsen burners for the school’s new chemistry lab.

CUP Grants are put towards regional projects that support cultural, economic, sporting, environmental development or higher education aspirations, particularly among youth in regional areas.

Director of External Engagement at Charles Sturt in Dubbo Mr James McKechnie was pleased to help boost the educational opportunities for young learners.

“By improving the learning resources for students pre-university, it gives them the best chance to succeed when the time comes to embark on their tertiary education studies,” Mr McKechnie said.

“This grant will help give the school new science equipment so students can have a more hands-on learning experience which is exactly what they can look forward to with a future at Charles Sturt University.”

The Central West Leadership Academy (CWLA) is a not-for-profit, independent school for students in Years 1 to 12.

CWLA Principal Ms Mandi Randell said the grant would not only boost the resources available to students and the wider community, but also allow the school to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

“Offering the IB Diploma Programme to Year 11 and 12 students is a first for this region, and only the second regional high school in NSW to offer it,” Mr Randell said.

“Science is a required field in the IB and we need the Bunsen burners to enact the chemistry syllabus in order to make this happen.”

Ms Randell said the IB offering is also a major attraction for skilled workers and their families to regional locations.

“We believe that an investment in our children is an investment in our community,” she said.

“We are helping build our broader regional community with skilled professionals by offering the IB Programme to attract and retain skilled regional workers and families.”

Applications for the 2024 Charles Sturt CUP Grants program open at the beginning of next year and can be made via the ‘Grants’ page on the Charles Sturt website.

ENDS