There are still 4,532 Australian children who need extra learning support by this Christmas.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs
Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Partnerships
  Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
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Child Sponsorship
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Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Without educational opportunities and role models from their own community, young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may not realise the possibilities available to them.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face additional challenges in their journey through and beyond school and due to their circumstances are often less likely to complete Year 12 than other students. There are strong links between higher levels of education and improved employment, income and health outcomes.

Our work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities aims to keep children, families and communities engaged in learning by providing positive educational experiences, opportunities to grow life skills and access to role models.

With a focus on working together with communities, schools and government, we strive to be culturally responsive, effective and holistic.

What is the program?

The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students living in remote or very remote areas of Australia to attend a high performing secondary school (government and non–government, day and boarding) and / or university to complete Year 12 and / or an undergraduate degree.

The program contributes to the development of skills in leadership in a range of ways. Students are supported in their leadership journeys on personal, academic and professional levels. In 2022 The Smith Family supported 271 students to participate in the program.

Applications for IYLP 2025 Secondary Scholarship

Apply now

How does the program help students?

The Commonwealth Government funded program aims to close the gaps in Indigenous educational disadvantage by creating greater access to additional education choice for Indigenous students, particularly those from remote and very remote areas of the country.

In addition to helping Indigenous students achieve their educational aspirations, the Indigenous IYLP contributes to the development of a pool of positive role models and future leaders from Indigenous communities, to inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and illustrate the successes that can be achieved through education.

The IYLP gave me the opportunity to study at a prestigious school and the support and guidance to achieve well in the academic and sporting arenas

IYLP student

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Without educational opportunities and role models from their own community, young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may not realise the possibilities available to them.

What is the program?

How does the program help students?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs

Our actions toward reconciliation

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Reconciliation Action Plan