The McCusker Centre for Citizenship has been recognised with a 2024 UWA Award for Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching, recognising the positive social impact of its internship program for students and WA communities.
The Centre, established in late 2015, offers a structured social purpose internship program, which has seen students contribute more than 400,000 hours to projects benefitting the community. At the awards ceremony on 18 November 2024, the Centre’s team were presented with the Grand Challenges – A More Just and Equitable World Program Award.
Michelle Scott OAM, McCusker Chair in Citizenship and Director of the Centre, said that the Award was a welcome affirmation of the value of the internship program after a period of significant growth.
“We had a record number of student applications for our internship program this year, and more than 900 UWA students were able to make meaningful contributions through their internships with not-for-profit and community organisations, as well as in local government and the public sector,” Ms Scott said.
“The staff at the Centre are highly motivated to ensure students and our 600 industry partners have a positive experience. Ninety-seven percent of students and 98 percent of our partners recommend the program. This Award, together with the high satisfaction rates recognises the commitment of the Centre’s staff to supporting our students.”
“The program reflects the importance the University places on giving students opportunities to grow as active citizens and put the skills and knowledge they are developing into practice."