Social entrepreneurship: An Australian university transforms a regional community through diversity and innovation

Central Queensland is a region that traditionally lacks tertiary-educated citizens, and where the higher education graduation rate is consistently lower than the national average. Therefore, a pre-university preparatory program is essential - not only for the lives of many Central Queensland students but also for the community as a whole. Through social entrepreneurship, Central Queensland University has developed an innovative and holistic preparatory curriculum that responds to issues of distance and diversity within the community while transforming educationally disadvantaged adult students into successful learners for the 21 st century. These lifelong learners are impacting not only on their families and communities but also on the university itself. When social entrepreneurship as the university's driver reflects both the philosophy and purpose of the program, innovative curricula and delivery can contribute to a positive transformation of regional communities.