Reimagining Opportunity through Children’s University: Engagement, Equity, and Expectation-Building in Practice
Event description
Join equity practitioners from the University of Adelaide, University of Tasmania and Lincoln University (NZ) as they explore how the Children’s University is creating powerful connections between universities and young people from low SES, regional/remote, and First Nations communities.
This session will offer practical insights into how this initiative is reshaping engagement through collaborative program delivery, school and community partnerships, and innovative pedagogical approaches. Discover how early intervention, expectation-building, and inclusive education practices are opening new pathways into higher education—and changing lives.
The Children’s University is a vibrant and growing social impact initiative led by the University of Adelaide (soon to be Adelaide University) in collaboration with a network of universities across Australia, New Zealand and beyond, including the University of Newcastle, Swinburne University of Technology, Charles Darwin University, the University of Western Australia, Edith Cowan University, the University of Tasmania, Lincoln University, the University of Canterbury, Massey University, and the AfrAsia Foundation (Mauritius).
Presenters
Kiri Hagenus is a nationally recognised senior executive and education leader with over 35 years of experience in the education sector. Since 2013, Kiri has led the multi-award-winning early intervention and widening participation program, Children’s University Australasia and Africa. Under her leadership, the program has expanded nationally and internationally, reaching thousands of children and families, particularly in regional and marginalised communities, with a focus on building self-belief, lifelong learning habits, and educational confidence. Kiri holds a Master of Education, with research focused on critically examining the use of aspiration-raising in widening participation policy and advocating for expectation-building through early intervention. She has also been instrumental in shaping the new Adelaide University’s community impact priorities, co-leading the design of its Community and Regional Engagement function. Her impact has been recognised through numerous accolades, and her selection into the prestigious Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) Program (2023). Passionate about transforming systems through collaboration, Kiri remains focused on dismantling structural barriers and ensuring higher education is not just possible, but truly accessible and within reach for all.
Dr Becky Shelley as Deputy Director of the Aspiration and Attainment portfolio at the peter Underwood Centre, she leads initiatives like the Children’s University Tasmania, Limitless Learning, and system reform, driving community development and educational engagement in marginalized communities. Becky is an expert in social reform, child rights, and equity, with a profound commitment to empowering children to actively participate in all aspects of their lives. Becky has previously held senior positions in the community, not-for-profit and government sector. With a discipline background in political science, Becky works at the intersection of policy, research, and practice.
Georgia Sutton is the Manager of Children’s University Tasmania, a program of the Peter Underwood Centre at the University of Tasmania. Her work focuses on fostering meaningful engagement with learning through child-led, experiential education beyond the classroom. With a professional background in research, community outreach, and program development, Georgia is committed to research-informed, equity-driven practice that amplifies children's voices and supports aspiration-building in regional communities. She is particularly interested in the intersections between place, participation, and educational opportunity.
Toby Johnson is the Learning Coordinator| Kairuruku Ako for Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University in Waitaha | Canterbury, at Lincoln University. An experienced educator and programme manager, Toby has over two decades of experience in engaging with schools and communities through environmental education programmes and conservation campaigns. As an experiential educator, Toby has specialised in behaviour change approaches, particularly with school students in urban environments.
Dr Luca Prisciandaro is the Manager of Children’s University, Adelaide at the University of Adelaide. An experience equity practitioner and program leader, Luca has over a decade of experience connecting young people, schools, and communities through inclusive, strategic programs. With a strong foundation in education and a growing leadership profile, Luca specialises in initiatives that build wellbeing, resilience, and opportunity—particularly for young people in disadvantaged or regional communities.
If you want to learn more about Children'e University and their work, please follow these links:
This session is run as part of the Carnegie Community Engagement Network offerings.
*Please note that this session is free and will be recorded.
Contact us:
If you have any questions about the session or the Carnegie Community Engagement Network, please contact carnegie@engagementaustralia.org.au
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