Leadership programs

In disadvantaged families, it’s often harder for young people to engage in activities that supplement their classroom learning and stimulate personal growth. This can also affect a student’s self-esteem, self-reliance, leadership qualities, team-work abilities, confidence, compassion and interest in their local community.

Without access to opportunities and a social network, disadvantaged students miss out on more than just activities. They can miss out on a chance to see themselves as leaders.

The Smith Family works with a number of partner organisations to offer young people in Learning for Life communities the chance to undertake a leadership and personal growth experiences that might transform their image of themselves and the world.

Working with Outward Bound Australia, we facilitate access for over 20 young people nationally every year to attend the National Aspiring Leadership Summit. We also work together to provide the Outward Bound camp in various states across Australia. These opportunities are open to young people in Years 9 to 12 to help expand their understanding of themselves and what they can achieve. The activities aim to strengthen stamina, leadership and team-working abilities.

Through our partnership with Foundation for Young Australians, we annually support up to 15 young people aged 18 from across Australia with the chance to work as an overseas volunteer from four to seven months. The placement allows these young people, who have just completed high school, to experience life beyond Australia, develop different perspectives, learn new skills, grow in confidence and independence and make new friends from home and abroad.