Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Growing Careers Project
This project gives young people the opportunity to acquire what they need to thrive post-school by enabling them to participate in multiple career programs.
Research shows that young people who can recall four or more encounters with the world of work, while at school, are far more likely to be in work, training or study in their 20s.
The Smith Family’s Growing Careers Project is supported by funding from the Australian Government through the Department of Education
How does the Growing Careers Project work?
The Growing Careers Project has provided over 100,000 places for students to participate in multiple career learning experiences across their secondary school journey. These could encompass anything from a short career-focused activity, to visiting a TAFE or university, – or spending a few days in a workplace.
The Smith Family will follow student participation across the six years of the project (2021-2026) in close collaboration with a number of schools across the country, to understand how they’re progressing in their education. We’ll look at what’s resonating with the students from a careers’ perspective and what more we can do to support their career pathways when they leave school.
Stories from the Growing Careers Project
Why is this project important?
- Young people living in disadvantage are less likely than more advantaged peers to complete Year 12 and less likely to be in work, training or post-school study than their more advantaged peers.2
- Young people’s involvement in work, training or study post-school is heavily influenced by whether or not they receive career support in school.1
- Employer encounters while still at school have a positive impact on students’ academic results, motivation and aspirations.1
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.
1 Dr Anthony Mann (2012), It’s Who You Meet: Why Employer Contacts at School Make a Difference to the Employment Prospects of Young Adults. Education and Employers Taskforce.
2 OECD (2018), Education at a Glance 2018: OECD Indicators. Paris: OECD Publishing.