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 aspiration. Breaking down barriers. Creating opportunities.
We believe that university should be an opportunity available to everyone. From career conversations to on-campus experiences, DEAP gives Year 9–12 students a real insight into what’s possible.
The DEAP Impact
The Deakin Engagement and Access Program (DEAP) inspires aspiration, builds confidence and creates pathways to higher education for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Through partnerships with schools, communities, industry and current Deakin students, DEAP helps young people see university as an achievable future.
53
Partner schools and community organisations
12,699
Students engaged each year
75%
Mentors from underrepresented backgrounds
Why DEAP?
For over 15 years, DEAP has been supporting students across Melbourne’s western and southeast suburbs, Geelong and the Barwon region, and Warrnambool and Western Victoria. The program is proudly funded by the Commonwealth of Australia.
What makes DEAP different:
- Long-term partnerships with schools
- Programs from Years 9–12
- Delivered by current Deakin students
- Industry connections through FutureME
- University experiences on campus
- Evidence-informed and curriculum-aligned
Preparing students for higher education and beyond
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 equipping them with the knowledge, confidence and skills to make informed decisions about their future.
Student journey: Middle years (Years 9 and 10)
FutureME
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.
Uni Immersion Day
Schools have the option to participate in an immersive on-campus experience providing students with insights into university life through hands-on learning, access to learning spaces and student panels, breaking common myths about higher education.
Student journey: 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 empower students with key skills and knowledge to support them in their VCE journey.
Equity Schemes and Scholarships
Throughout Year 12 we host practical workshops that support students in applying for university entry by completing applications for equity schemes and 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.
Creating opportunities through lived experience
DEAP's programs are delivered by current Deakin students who inspire young people through their lived experience. More than 75% of our Mentors of DEAP (MoDs) come from underrepresented backgrounds, communities or schools, and over half are alumni of the schools we partner with. By sharing their own education journeys, our mentors provide authentic, 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 socio-economic and First Nations communities to explore their education and career options.
Supporting graduate employability
DEAP is equally committed to the development of its mentors. As paid student employees, MoDs gain meaningful work experience while studying. Mentors develop:
- leadership
- communication
- facilitation
- teamwork
- public speaking
- graduate employability.
Through ongoing training, professional development and hands-on program delivery, mentors graduate with the confidence, skills and experience to succeed in 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 school students across a range of programs, all while building meaningful relationships within a supportive community.
As a MoD, you'll benefit from:
- paid on-campus employment
- professional development
- leadership experience
- community connection.
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
Inspire the next generation
DEAP is looking for volunteers to have inspiring career conversations with young people for FutureME – an inspiring program that builds critical knowledge about the changing world of work and supports students to lead career conversations with working professionals.
As a FutureME volunteer, you will:
- inspire young people
- share your career journey
- help students explore future pathways
- support regional and underrepresented communities
- make a lasting difference.
One conversation can change a student's future.
Volunteers must hold a valid Victorian Working With Children Check or VIT registration.
Hear from our DEAP team, mentors and volunteers
Creating brighter futures together
Every year, DEAP partners with schools, communities, current university students and industry professionals to inspire aspiration, build confidence and expand opportunities for thousands of young people across Victoria.
Together, we're helping students see higher education as a place where they belong.
