Team Name:
Sparks
Team Members:
Sparks
Topic: Factors that influence education, skills and training choices of young people
Problem Identification
In Australia, while access to education is broadly available, significant disparities persist in the pursuit of higher education beyond secondary schooling. These disparities highlight a systemic issue where many young people are not fully equipped or supported to make informed decisions about their higher education paths. Economic constraints, health challenges, and geographic isolation contribute to lower rates of higher education enrolment and completion. This inequity not only limits individual potential but also impacts broader socio-economic outcomes, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage, most times, lasting through generations.
Our Proposal
To address these challenges, we propose developing a comprehensive app, enabled by AI, designed to support students in their educational journey from secondary school to higher education. This app will offer a multifaceted approach:
• Personalized Guidance: By leveraging data analytics, the app will provide customized recommendations and advice based on individual circumstances, including socioeconomic status, health needs and career interests.
• Resource Accessibility: It will include features that connect students with information about scholarships, financial aid, and specialized support services to overcome economic and health-related barriers.
• Interactive Tools: The app will feature interactive elements such as career quizzes, goal-setting tools, and access to mentors, helping students actively engage in planning their educational futures.
By focusing on these areas, the app aims to bridge existing gaps, ensuring equitable support for all students and fostering higher education participation across diverse demographic groups. This initiative seeks to create a more inclusive educational landscape, ultimately enhancing opportunities and outcomes for every student in Australia.
Our data analysis reveals significant trends and disparities affecting young people's education choices, highlighting the need for targeted support tools. Here’s what the data shows:
• Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that only 51% of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds transition to higher education compared to 85% from higher-income families (ABS, 2023).
• Additionally, students with disabilities or health issues face further barriers, with only 22% of those with a disability enrolling in university, compared to 43% of their peers without disabilities (ABS, 2023).
• Geographic location also plays a role, as students in rural and remote areas often have limited access to resources and opportunities, exacerbating educational inequities (ABS, 2023).
Educational Attainment and Socioeconomic Disparities:
According to the Melbourne Institute's HILDA data, socioeconomic status heavily influences educational attainment, with students from lower-income families facing greater obstacles to higher education (Melbourne Institute, 2023). This disparity underscores the need for personalised, accessible guidance.
Impact of Health and Disability:
ABS statistics indicate that young people with health issues or disabilities encounter additional barriers to higher education. These barriers include limited access to appropriate support and resources (ABS, 2023). Our app will address these needs with tailored resources and guidance.
Geographic and Community Differences:
Data from the ABS shows that access to education and training opportunities varies significantly across different geographic areas. Rural and remote areas often have fewer educational resources, making targeted support essential (ABS, 2023).
Conclusion:
The data highlights critical factors influencing educational choices, including socioeconomic status, health conditions, and geographic location. Our app aims to address these challenges by offering personalized, accessible support to ensure all students can make informed decisions about their higher education paths.
Description of Use The data set was validated to understand the top reasons why students abandon their non-school studies
Description of Use In Australia, while access to education is broadly available, significant disparities persist in the pursuit of higher education beyond secondary schooling. These disparities highlight a systemic issue where many young people are not fully equipped or supported to make informed decisions about their higher education paths. We used this data set to validate the disparity.
Description of Use Many schools lack the facilities and resources necessary to effectively guide students in exploring tertiary and career options. Without access to up-to-date textbooks, technology, and specialized learning materials, teachers struggle to provide the comprehensive support needed for students to reach their full potential.
Description of Use Understand the co-relation between tertiary study and transition to work
#Study success: Choosing the right study paths
Eligibility: Open to participants including university students and professional researchers
Go to Challenge | 17 teams have entered this challenge.
