The University of the Sunshine Coast is seeking Gympie men aged from 20 to 34 years to help solve a higher education mystery.

USC’s Dr Kerry Rutter said the University wished to gain an insight into why men in this age group seemed reluctant to begin university study.

“We are calling for males to join in a one hour focus group session to help us identity the barriers stopping men under 35 from engaging in tertiary education in a rural community such as Gympie,” Dr Rutter said.

Dr Rutter is the Program Coordinator for USC’s award-winning tertiary bridging program, the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP).

“The information received through the focus group will be confidential and used to inform USC of strategies that may encourage more men to enrol in study programs at university.”

USC was granted federal funding for the study under the Higher Education Participation Program which is designed to help more students access and succeed at higher education.

For more information email krutter@usc.edu.au or call 5456 5556.

- Clare McKay