RAISE THE BAR ACADEMY APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON

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For the fourth consecutive year, Athletics Australia and the University of Melbourne will come together to host the Raise the Bar Academy. RTBA is a pathway Academy for Australian Indigenous secondary school students (Years 10, 11 and 12) who aspire to participate in athletics and study at university.

Participants explore their leadership potential and discover how participation in sport can complement and open doors to professional opportunities. 

The free program includes air travel, ground transfers, accommodation and meals and consists of a four-day camp at the University of Melbourne.

 By participating in the program, Raise the Bar Academy participants:

  • Gain knowledge and skills in athletics as both an athlete and a coach
  • Develop community leadership potential 
  • Are inspired to successfully complete secondary school and pursue further education
  • Are mentored by current Australian Olympians and elite athletes
  • Connect with sports industry professionals
  • Establish links with other Indigenous students from all over Australia

Raise the Bar Academy participants return from the experience more passionate about sport, excelling at school, and ultimately, feeling empowered to pursue higher education opportunities and continue their involvement in athletics.

A 2016 RTBA participant said the following about her experience: Our  trip  to  Raise  the  Bar  Academy was  the  best five days of our life and it has inspired us to dream big,  work  hard,  stay  true  to  ourselves,  make  the impossible,  possible  and  become  all  that  we  can, both  on  the  track  and  in  life.  We  will  never  forget this  experience  as  it  was  truly  once  in  a  lifetime.

Up to 35 participants will be selected to attend the prestigious Raise the Bar Academy and must meet the following selection criteria:

  • Identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Be in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2018
  • Be 15-19 years of age at 1 January 2019 
  • Demonstrated interest in pursuing further education beyond secondary school
  • Demonstrated community leadership skills
  • 6. Demonstrated interest in the sport of athletics

To participate in the Raise the Bar Academy, students must be nominated by a representative from their school or sports club. Applicants must complete and submit the application form online (below) by 4pm on Monday 29 October 2018

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