More regional students are viewing further study as a realistic option after school, with La Trobe University's Regional Pathways Program reaching 406 young people across central Victoria since 2024.
The program supports students at the end of Year 11 and throughout Year 12 with mentoring, academic skills development, university experiences and personalised guidance, without the hurdles of distance, financial concerns or academic readiness.
Initially launched at three rural schools with an ambition to support 225 students over two years, the program has expanded to seven schools across the Bendigo region through increased philanthropic investment from businesses, community organisations and individual donors.
Marg O'Rourke, Head of La Trobe's Bendigo campus, said the program's growth showed the impact of investing in regional young people.
"Regional students should be able to see university education as an achievable option, regardless of where they live or what their circumstances are," Marg said.
"What we're seeing is students gaining the confidence to start thinking differently about their future.
"More students are completing the program with a clearer idea of what they want to study after school and a stronger belief that those opportunities are within their reach."
The milestone comes as students from Bendigo Senior Secondary College prepare to receive their Regional Pathways Program hoodies and conditional offers to study at La Trobe after completing the program's 70 per cent engagement requirement.
Year 12 student Violet Khoo is among 47 students participating this year after the college joined the program as a pilot school in 2025.
An aspiring law student at La Trobe, Violet said the program had helped navigate the path from aspiration to application.
"My experience has been very rewarding. The program has helped me explore different law courses and pathways, learn about scholarship opportunities and receive guidance through the VTAC process," Violet said.
Based on 2025 outcomes, 83 per cent of participating students were on a pathway to further study, with 67 per cent intending to attend university and a further 16 per cent planning to undertake vocational study.
Jude Mussared was among the first cohort of students in the Regional Pathways Program, graduating from Rochester Secondary College in 2024.
"I am so thankful for the program and everyone involved; it's amazing to hear it has expanded to seven schools," Jude said.
Now a second-year Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student at La Trobe's Bundoora campus, Jude said the skills he gained during year 12 were still being used in his studies.
"The biggest takeaway from the program was learning how university works and developing study techniques that I still use today.
"It helped me choose my path, navigate the transition to university and even secure a scholarship, which made studying possible for me."
Among the newest supporters is Bendigo-based firm Beck Legal, which sees the Regional Pathways Program as an investment in the future of the Bendigo region and the people that will shape it.
"We see this donation as an investment in regional students and stronger communities, while also creating opportunities to build awareness, engage staff and clients, and strengthen Beck Legal's future talent pipeline," Lorri Bissett, General Manager, said.
The Bendigo campus Regional Pathways Program operates in seven central Victorian schools:
- Maryborough Education Centre (commenced in 2024)
- Rochester Secondary College (2024)
- Ecuca Secondary College (2024, but now coordinated through the Shepparton campus)
- St Mary's College in Seymour (2025)
- Wedderburn College P-12 (2025)
- Seymour College (2025)
- Bendigo Senior Secondary College (2025)
- Kyneton High School (2025)
PHOTO: Marg O'Rourke, La Trobe Bendigo Head of Campus, Violet Khoo, Year 12 Bendigo Senior Secondary College student and Lorri Bissett, General Manager of Beck Legal.
