Bond University will help spread the message of Indigenous success for AIME National Hoodie Day on Thursday, July 21.
In its second year, the initiative of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience asks Australians to consider whether Indigenous success = Australian success.
Bond University students, staff and community will don Blue AIME Hoodies as proud participants in this conversation and to raise funds for the charity that seeks to assist in closing the gap participating Indigenous students finishing high school at the same rate as every Australian child.
Week to week on the Gold Coast, students from Bond University are linked one-on-one with Indigenous high school students, as part of AIME’s dynamic mentoring program.
AIME Gold Coast Program Manager Robbie Miller believes that conversations such as that taking place at Bond University on Thursday play an important role in moving Australia forward.
“AIME National Hoodie Day is an opportunity for everyone to come together to discuss how Indigenous success positively impacts Australian success,” Mr Miller said.
Bond University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Garry Marchant is proud of the leadership shown by university students and staff in supporting the AIME program and supports its capacity to create positive change.
“AIME’s unique program is making a hugely positive contribution to Australian society by increasing accessibility to further education for Indigenous students; a contribution that has significant flow-on effects,” Professor Marchant said.
“Bond University is proud to be hosting the forum and contributing to this conversation. I welcome university students, staff and community to come along on Thursday, and encourage interested members of the public to join the conversation online.”
Every limited edition Blue AIME Hoodie sold will see AIME support more Indigenous kids to finish school at the same rate as every Australian child.
In 2011, AIME’s dynamic mentoring program has linked 1,250 Indigenous high school students one-on-one with 1,250 volunteer university mentors. Last year the program saw 100% Year 12 completion for participating Indigenous students, with a further 38% heading to university.
Prominent Australians are stepping up with AIME, including Ian Thorpe, Anthony Mundine, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Wendell Sailor, Adam Spencer, Jenny Macklin, Wayne Swan, Malcolm Turnbull, The Matildas, NSW Cricket and a host more have joined the journey.