| Abstract: | The University of Central Queensland access programme, Women Into Science and Technology (WIST), has successfully attracted and retained a large number of rural women as students. Careful analysis of the needs of rural women has resulted in a distance education mode programme which is community based, has a consultative approach to programme development and monitoring and strong student support systems. These systems include elements of both peer and institutional support. Strong feelings of ownership and belonging, which WIST women have, have contributed to the low drop‐out rate and continuing programme growth. |
