Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all 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.
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 2026 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.
Our learning programs
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.
Arts programs
Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.
Community programs
We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.
Financial programs
We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.
School transition programs
Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.
Learning Clubs
After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning.
Learning for Life
Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
Literacy programs
Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Numeracy programs
We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
Technology programs
Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
Work experience programs
We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.
Current education providers
Here are our partners with whom The Smith Family is collaborating with for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra Grammar School40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill ACT 2603
Web: https://www.cgs.act.edu.au/
New South Wales
Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart
New South Head Road, Rose Bay NSW 2029
Web: https://www.krb.nsw.edu.au/
New England Girls School
13 – 83 Uralla Road, Armidale NSW 2350
Web: http://www.negs.nsw.edu.au/
St. Gregory’s College
100 Bagdally Road, Gregory Hills NSW 2557
Web: http://www.stgregs.nsw.edu.au/
St Ignatius College (Riverview)
Tambourine Bay Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Web: https://www.riverview.nsw.edu.au/
St Joseph's College
1 Mark Street, Hunters Hill NSW 2110
Web: http://www.joeys.org/
St Scholastica's College
4 Avenue Road, Glebe NSW 2037
Web: http://www.scholastica.nsw.edu.au/
Queensland
St. Augustine’s College251 Draper Street, Cairns QLD 4870
Web: http://sac.qld.edu.au/
St. Monica’s College
177 Abbott Street, Cairns QLD 4870
Web: http://stmonicas.qld.edu.au/
St. Ursula's College
38 Taylor Street, Toowoomba QLD 4870
Web: https://www.st-ursula.qld.edu.au/
Mount St Bernard College
15 Broadway, Herberton QLD 4887
Web: https://www.msb.qld.edu.au/
Northern Territory
Haileybury Rendall School
Lot 1044 Berrimah Road, Berrimah NT 0828
Web: https://www.haileyburyrendall.com.au/
St John’s College
54 Salonika Street, The Gardens, Darwin NT 0801
Web: http://www.stjohnsnt.catholic.edu.au/
St Philip's College
Schwarz Crescent, Alice Springs NT 0871
Web: http://www.stphilips.nt.edu.au/
South Australia
Concordia College
24 Winchester Street, Highgate SA 5063
Web: https://www.concordia.sa.edu.au/
Immanuel College
32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens SA 5040
Web: http://www.immanuel.sa.edu.au/
Loreto College (Adelaide)
316 Portrush Road, Marryatville SA 5068
Web: http://www.loreto.sa.edu.au/
Navigator College
61 Windsor Avenue, SA 5099
Web: https://www.navigator.sa.edu.au/
Pembroke School
342 The Parade, Kensington Park SA 5068
Web: http://www.pembroke.sa.edu.au/
Prince Alfred College
23 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town SA 5067
Web: http://pac.edu.au/
Rostrevor College
Glen Stuart Road, Woodforde SA 5072
Web: http://www.rostrevor.sa.edu.au/
Sacred Heart College
195 – 235 Brighton Road, Somerton Park SA 5044
Web: http://www.shc.sa.edu.au/
St. Peter’s College
Trinity Street, St Peters SA 5069
Web: http://www.stpeters.sa.edu.au/
Westminster School
1-23 Alison Avenue, Marion SA 5043
Web: http://www.westminster.sa.edu.au/
Wilderness School
30 Hawkers Road, Medindie SA 5081
Web: http://www.wilderness.com.au
Xavier College
1 Kentish Road, Gawler Belt SA 5118
Web: http://www.xavier.catholic.edu.au/
Walford Anglican School for Girls
316 Unley Road, Hyde Park SA 5061
Web: https://walford.sa.edu.au/
Victoria
Ballarat Grammar
201 Forest St, Wendouree VIC 3355
Web: https://www.bgs.vic.edu.au
St. Patrick’s College
1431 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VIC 3350
Web: http://www.stpats.vic.edu.au
The Geelong College
Talbot Street, Newton, VIC 3220
Web: https://www.tgc.vic.edu.au/
Loreto College Ballarat
1600 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VIC 3350
Web: http://loreto.vic.edu.au/main/
Ballarat Clarendon College
1425 Sturt Street, NEWINGTON VIC 3350
Web: https://www.clarendon.vic.edu.au/
Caulfield Grammar School
217 Glen Eira Rd, St Kilda East VIC 3183
Web: https://www.caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au/
Western Australia
Rossmoyne Senior High School
Keith Road, ROSSMOYNE WA 6148