Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Who we are
At The Smith Family, we believe that education is one of the world’s most powerful change agents. That’s why we focus on helping young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty.
As a national, independent charity, every day we work with thousands of children and their families to help them unlock better futures for themselves.
Ways to give
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Digital Learning Essentials
1 in 6 families that we work with cannot access the digital tools that their children need for school. Your gift today can give a children vital access to a computer, internet and digital skills. -
Child Sponsorship
Your sponsorship combined with that of another sponsor, will provide a child with the learning essentials they need such as books, a uniform and stationary, so they don't fall even further behind. -
Future Pathways
Future Pathways ensures that more students in Years 9-12 can access the practical, emotional, and educational support they need to thrive during these crucial years and beyond.
The Problem
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Today, there are more than 1.2m Australian children and young people living in poverty1.
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Students experiencing disadvantage are on average 2-3 years behind in reading and maths by the time they are 15 years old.2
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Students experiencing disadvantage have a 30% lower Year 12 completion rate.3
Making a difference
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Last year, we supported 62,822 Australian students through our Learning for Life sponsorships.
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Last year, 95% of children in our student2student reading program improved their reading age.
Smith Family Stories
Sponsoring a child delivers the best educational outcomes
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85.7% school attendance rate for primary school age Learning for Life students.
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66% of Learning for Life students advance from year 10 to completing year 12.
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85% of Learning for Life students engaged in employment, education or training, two and a half years after leaving school.
Research shows Year 9 students from disadvantaged backgrounds are on average 4.5 years behind in reading and 3.2 years behind in maths compared to their more advantaged peers.2
Sponsor now Latest News
2024 NAPLAN results show there is no time to wait for urgent education reforms.
14 August 2024
Find out more Locked out of learning: poverty limits access to essential digital skills and tools for youth
05 August 2024
Find out more New data shows cost of living squeeze means families are struggling to afford schoolbooks, lunches and uniforms.
01 August 2024
Find out more The Smith Family celebrates the unique contributions and diversity of its volunteers this National Volunteer Week.
21 May 2024
Find out more Introducing Conversations with The Smith Family
Hear more from Doug Taylor, CEO as he talks to those involved in the different areas of our work. In this special series of interviews, Doug brings to life the experiences of our students, their families, our volunteers and our supporters. Learn more.
We are committed to child safety
The Smith Family is committed to safeguarding children and young people from abuse and neglect as we work with their families and communities. We will provide safe environments; always act in the best interests of children; and take action to protect children and other vulnerable persons from abuse and neglect.
More Stories
Information about cyber security, including the incident that occurred in November 2022 and how to access support is available here.
Get Involved
1 Poverty in Australia, 2020, ACOSS/UNSW Report.
2 Thomson et al, 2011, Challenges for Australian Education: Results from PISA 2009.
3 Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 2008, Review of Australian Higher Education Final Report.