“For me, NAEEA was the best way to engage with my fellow education professionals and academics. Together, we advanced our cause of lifelong, transformative learning, widening participation, social justice, inclusivity and diversity in education.”

“It is a genuine privilege to work within the Enabling Education sector, and witness students transform their lives through higher education as they build confidence, realise their potential, and achieve dreams they once believed were out of reach.”

“STEPS is the reason I am where I am today. After finishing Year 12 unsure of my path, I lost confidence and purpose. With family support and STEPS’ guidance, I rebuilt stability and belief.”

“STEPS was the impact driver that has provided me with a life, personal relationships, courage and a career much greater than I could have ever imagined.”

“I am now an independent woman with the confidence to achieve anything I put my mind to.”

“University is not what I imagined it to be, it is better than I ever expected.”

“Some people find it difficult to comprehend why a bloke at my age would start a new career when most people are preparing to retire. STEPS has given me the career that I am looking forward to retiring into.”

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think attending university was possible, but with the help of STEPS and it’s amazing staff who guide you and encourage you!”

“I went from doing low-skilled jobs to now being a university lecturer with multiple degrees under my belt. STEPS gave me confidence, it helped me to inspire my family and made me proud of the woman I have become. Taking that first step into my higher education journey was one of the best things I have done in my life and I would encourage anyone who wants a better life to take that step as they won’t regret it.”

“It was then that I saw an advertisement for STEPS in the local paper… The impetus to a changed life.”

“I was introduced to STEPS, and from that moment, my fortune started to change.”

“While I still pinch myself sometimes, I am now well and truly in the driver’s seat on my own life.”

“I exude confidence, I am self-assured and, most importantly, I am happy once again.”

“Dummy to Distinctions: It starts with small STEPS.”

“STEPS has completely wiped away any insecurities or disbelief I had about myself being a student.”

“I took the plunge and from that point there was no going back.”

“I now look forward to challenging myself rather than shying away. This has helped me in all aspects of my life.”

“Whilst STEPS is seen as an academic course, it also changes your perspective, giving you a more positive mindset.”

“.. not really a matter of how smart you are, but how much effort you are willing to put in to achieve your goal.”

“University isn’t that scary unachievable thing that haunted me!”

“You can honestly tell a student who has done STEPS …they are ahead of the pack.”

“STEPS made me a confident woman; it has helped me to understand that I am a worthwhile person…”

“I am ready to do what I WANT to do!”

“Never give up!”

“I was the person placing limitations on my suitability for university; the STEPS team could only list the advantages.”

“… we listened, respected, supported, encouraged, cajoled, and held each other accountable. All ‘isms’ were banished.”

“...you will be inspired by great minds to be better, strive further and dig deeper.”

“The privilege of making dreams come true.”

“I can now grasp the satisfaction of accomplishment through literacy.”

“The time is going to pass anyway, so you might as well just start!”

“It is really worth it, so don’t give up, keep going - you will make it!”

“I will never regret my time in STEPS.”

“Enrolling in STEPS was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

“However far I get, my first but most convincing step will always be STEPS.”

“I can see my dream within reach!”