The University Makes a Difference program is funded by the Commonwealth Government Higher Education Continuity Guarantee. UniSA College staff have engaged with and form partnerships with non-mainstream schools to provide an outreach program that aims to build the students’ research skills and academic literacies, as well as their sense of belonging at UniSA  (Adelaide University from 2026) and capability to succeed.

The outreach program was designed by Nigel Howard and Sarah Hattam from UniSA College. The program was designed so young people can address, research and propose solutions to issues they face in the community in collaboration with the University. This involves a problem-based learning approach to the curriculum as the young people are mentored to research an issue important to themselves and their community. They use the resources at the university, and interview academics in the associated field. They present their project in a poster presentation at a public showcase within their community setting. By analysing problems of significance to themselves and the community alongside university mentors, they have sustained exposure to university and gain an understanding of the work that Universities do in helping shape the community.

The program's delivery has been co-designed with the schools and sites to ensure that it supports their curriculum and pedagogical approach. In 2025 four non mainstream schools participated and some twenty students exhibited and shared their posters