Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Driving impact with evidence and advocacy
Work anchored in evidence
Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the chance to make the most of their education and potential. That’s why research and evidence are at the heart of everything we do.
This foundation helps us understand the challenges students growing up in disadvantage face and can design programs proven to make a difference.
Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, we measure outcomes and assess effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. It’s how we stay innovative, responsive and relevant – delivering support that meets the evolving needs of children, families and communities.
This foundation helps us understand the challenges students growing up in disadvantage face and can design programs proven to make a difference.
Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, we measure outcomes and assess effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. It’s how we stay innovative, responsive and relevant – delivering support that meets the evolving needs of children, families and communities.
Standing up for change
The foundation of meaningful, lasting change is built on research and evidence.
Advocating for equity for all young people
We care deeply about young people and the power of education; that’s why we advocate for policy changes that remove barriers and create opportunity.
Our advocacy draws on solid evidence and genuine experience, with input from our team members and the families and young people we support. We work to influence systems, policies and attitudes – seeking practical solutions that drive positive, lasting change.
Our vision is an education system where every young person, regardless of their circumstances, has an equal opportunity to thrive and build their best future.
Our advocacy draws on solid evidence and genuine experience, with input from our team members and the families and young people we support. We work to influence systems, policies and attitudes – seeking practical solutions that drive positive, lasting change.
Our vision is an education system where every young person, regardless of their circumstances, has an equal opportunity to thrive and build their best future.
Key issues we champion
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Reducing poverty’s impacts on education
Poverty can directly undermine a student’s education, affecting long-term development, academic achievement and career prospects. -
Closing the digital divide
The gap between students with ready access to a digital device and the internet and those without is increasing inequity in education. -
Improving careers and transitions support
Without the right support it’s tough to navigate career options and decisions about life after school – especially for students growing up in disadvantage. -
Using data to create social change
The power of data is often underutilised in education. Better use and sharing of data can lead to more targeted, timely support – ensuring no student is left behind.
All children, no matter the circumstances they are born into or where they live in Australia, deserve the same opportunities to make the most of their education and achieve all they’re capable of.
Research and Advocacy
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Research and evaluation
Findings from our reports help to shape our programs and advocacy. Read our recent research reports here. -
External presentations
The Smith Family’s external presentations cover a range of topics to deepen understanding about improving educational outcomes for young Australians in need. Read our presentations here. -
Policy submissions
We actively contribute to policy discussions on issues of relevance to The Smith Family. Read our submissions here.