For further information about the Deakin Engagement and Access Program or any of our programs and activities, please get in touch.
Deakin Engagement and Access Program
Building aspirations for higher education
We believe university should be available to everyone. The Deakin Engagement and Access Program inspires students to pursue their aspirations, builds self-confidence and creates opportunities for secondary school students. By breaking down common barriers to education, the program encourages students to explore the world around them and envision a positive future for themselves.
Enriching students’ futures
The Deakin Engagement and Access Program (DEAP) collaborates with more than 53 schools and community organisations across Melbourne's western and south-eastern suburbs, Geelong and the Barwon region, Warrnambool and Western Victoria to improve university access for underrepresented students. Funded by the Commonwealth of Australia, DEAP aims to break down socioeconomic barriers, raise aspirations and promote higher education as an achievable goal.
School outreach programs
DEAP’s school outreach programs aim to empower secondary students by building confidence and self-efficacy, helping them explore their interests, discover career pathways and navigate the final years of high school. Our programs align with the Victorian careers curriculum and Deakin's graduate learning outcomes.
Preparing students for higher education and careers
The Year 9 to 12 program connects students with key information, hands-on learning, university experiences and industry engagement, helping them make informed education and career choices. DEAP also engages parents and connects students with professionals, showing them that university is attainable. Each year, DEAP supports thousands of students, encouraging Year 12 completion and building the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to take their next steps.
Middle years (Years 9 and 10)
FutureME
This program builds students' understanding of the changing world of work and supports them to lead career conversations with working professionals, encouraging career exploration and discovery of future pathways.
Uni Immersion Day
Schools can participate in an immersive on-campus experience that provides students with insights into university life through hands-on learning, access to learning spaces and student panels, helping to challenge common myths about higher education.
Senior years (Years 11 and 12)
A Day in the Life
Towards the end of high school, we provide a series of motivational workshops to equip students with key skills and knowledge to support them throughout their VCE journey.
Equity Schemes and Scholarships
Throughout Year 12, we host practical workshops that support students with university applications, including applying for the Special Entry Access Scheme and access and equity scholarships.
If it wasn’t for the Deakin experience, I wouldn’t know what would’ve happened with future job interviews. If there was one word that could describe that day for me, it would be life-changing.
Cranbourne Secondary College
Get your school involved
We welcome expressions of interest from schools that would like to participate in any of our programs or activities. Some activities have limited availability, so we suggest registering as early as possible.
Mentors of DEAP
DEAP programs are delivered by current Deakin students who inspire young people through their lived experiences. More than 75% of our Mentors of DEAP (MoDs) come from underrepresented backgrounds, communities or schools, and over half are alumni of our partner schools. By sharing their own education journeys, our mentors provide relatable role models who help students see higher education as an achievable pathway.
This peer-to-peer approach helps break down barriers, build confidence and encourage students from rural, low socioeconomic and First Nations communities to explore their education and career options.
DEAP is equally committed to supporting its mentors' professional development. As paid student employees, MoDs gain valuable work experience while studying, developing leadership, communication, facilitation and teamwork skills. Through ongoing training, professional development and hands-on program delivery, mentors build skills and experience that support their future careers.
Become a mentor
Being a Mentor of DEAP (MoD) is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to inspire the next generation while developing your own skills and experience. Mentors co-design and facilitate workshops, support campus experiences and connect with secondary school students across a range of programs, while building meaningful relationships within a supportive community.
As a MoD, you'll benefit from paid on-campus employment, professional development opportunities and practical experience that strengthens your employability skills.
Being in the MoD squad defined my time at university. It made me more aware of inequality and the chances to make the world a more equitable and inclusive experience for everyone.
Bachelor of Criminology graduate
Volunteering with DEAP
DEAP is looking for volunteers to take part in FutureME, a program that builds students' understanding of the changing world of work through career conversations with working professionals.
As a FutureME volunteer, you have a unique opportunity to inspire young people from regional, remote and underrepresented backgrounds by sharing your career journey. By sparking conversations about different pathways, you can help students explore future opportunities, build confidence and break down barriers to education.
A conversation can make a difference. Help inspire the next generation.
Volunteers must hold a valid Victorian Working With Children Check or VIT registration.
Hear from our mentors and volunteers
