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
Supporting students to reach their full potential
Through mentoring and outreach programs, Deakin empowers underrepresented students by building confidence and breaking socioeconomic barriers, ensuring university is an accessible and achievable pathway for everyone.
Enriching students’ futures
The Deakin Engagement and Access Program (DEAP) collaborates with over 40 schools and community organisations across Melbourne’s western suburbs, Geelong, Barwon, Warrnambool and Western Victoria to improve university access for traditionally underrepresented students. Funded by the Commonwealth’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program, DEAP aims to break down socioeconomic barriers, inspire aspirations and promote higher education as an achievable goal.
School outreach programs
DEAP’s school outreach programs aim to empower secondary students, building self-confidence and self-efficacy while 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, incorporating the My Career ePortfolio for tracking goals and achievements.
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, boosting university applications and encouraging Year 12 completion while helping them reach their potential.
Year 9
This program builds important knowledge about the changing world of work and supports students to lead career conversations with working professionals to spark career exploration and navigation of future pathways.
Year 10
An immersive on-campus experience providing students with insights into uni life through hands-on learning, access to learning spaces and student panels, breaking common myths about higher education.
Year 11
Towards the end of high school, we provide a series of motivational workshops to empower students with key skills and knowledge to support them in their VCE journey.
Year 12
Throughout Year 12 we host practical workshops that support students in applying for university entry by completing applications for 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.
DEAP mentorship program
DEAP creates a lasting impact by employing former participants as mentors, offering personal growth, work experience and volunteering opportunities. Current Deakin students mentor secondary school students, sharing their educational journeys to help students from underrepresented backgrounds see university as achievable. Our mentors break down barriers for students from rural, low socio-economic and Indigenous communities, empowering them to pursue further education and become confident, capable learners.
Become a mentor
Being a Mentor of DEAP (MoD) is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a difference. Mentors gain valuable skills by co-designing and leading workshops, engaging in campus activities and fostering connections within a supportive community. Benefits include financial assistance through on-campus employment, professional development and improved 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
Deakin Uni Ready
No ATAR? No problem. Free and online, Deakin Uni Ready is a pathway program that gives students the skills and support to meet Deakin's entry requirements and step into a degree in arts, health, science or business.
Volunteering with DEAP
Volunteering with DEAP offers a unique opportunity to inspire young people from regional, remote and disadvantaged backgrounds by sharing your career journey. By sparking conversations about diverse pathways, volunteers help students explore future opportunities, build confidence and break down barriers to education. With measurable impact, DEAP volunteers contribute to lasting change while enjoying a rewarding experience.
Current DEAP volunteering opportunities
Engage in career speed-meets with Year 9 students on the FutureME Program, sharing your career story and answering questions to inspire excitement and planning for future pathways.
- Individual booking: up to 3 hours on weekdays at a Deakin campus or local venue.
- Group booking: for groups of 10–20 people, up to 3 hours on weekdays.
Volunteers must hold a valid Victorian Working With Children Check or VIT registration.
Hear from our mentors and volunteers
