Mentoring Disadvantaged Youth - The Smith Family
The Smith Family's vision is for a more caring and cohesive Australian community. Our mission is to unlock opportunities for disadvantaged families to participate more fully in society. To do this we work together with caring Australians to address the root causes of disadvantage.
Since 1995 The Smith Family has been supporting disadvantaged students by linking them with volunteer mentors. Research shows that mentoring is one of the most effective ways of sharing knowledge within communities and providing a 'significant other' for those who are lacking positive role models.
From the final year of primary school through to tertiary education The Smith Family offers mentoring programs for Learning for Life students. Mentoring can improve academic performance, attitudes towards education, attendance, retention rates, self-esteem, motivation and may decrease risk-taking behaviour.
A mentor is a more experienced adult who becomes a trusted friend, advisor and 'sounding board' to a younger person. The goal of the mentoring process is to help a young person discover their strengths and fulfill their potential. Mentoring can take place in many settings - in the work place, through community groups, online or at school.
At The Smith Family, face-to-face and online mentoring provides secondary school and tertiary students with the support and guidance they need to negotiate career choices.
Please see below for further information on The Smith Family's mentoring programs.
Tertiary Mentoring Program
The Smith Family matches students on Learning for Life tertiary scholarships with mentors who have achieved professional success in the students' chosen field of interest. We currently have mentors with backgrounds in law, engineering, journalism and medicine.
Tertiary Mentoring Program - Fact Sheet - The Smith Family
iTrack
iTrack aims to inform students of the varied options for life after school.
iTrack - Fact Sheet - The Smith Family
Next Steps
Next Steps is a program that teaches Learning for Life students the skills they need to find, apply for and secure a job.
Next Steps - Fact Sheet - The Smith Family
Mentoring Opportunities
If you would like to find out more about mentoring in your area, please contact the National Volunteer Coordination Unit on 1300 397 730 or email your enquiry to volunteer@thesmithfamily.com.au
