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
Grounded in evidence, driven by impact
Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the chance to make the most of their education and potential. That’s why robust, in-depth research and evidence-based practices underpin everything we do.
It means we can better understand the challenges and barriers that students growing up in disadvantage face – and can design programs to provide the best possible support, so they can succeed at school.
Through regular evaluation, we measure outcomes and assess program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. This ensures we are always innovative, responsive, and relevant – delivering support that meets the evolving needs of the children, families, and communities we serve.
It means we can better understand the challenges and barriers that students growing up in disadvantage face – and can design programs to provide the best possible support, so they can succeed at school.
Through regular evaluation, we measure outcomes and assess program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. This ensures we are always innovative, responsive, and relevant – delivering support that meets the evolving needs of the children, families, and communities we serve.
Standing up for change
The foundation of meaningful, lasting change is built on research and evidence.
From Parliament to social media, we stand up on behalf of students experiencing disadvantage on the issues affecting their education - regardless of whether they are supported through Smith Family programs or not. We make sure their voices are heard, and their needs are always front and centre.
Through advocacy grounded in evidence, research, and lived experience we work to influence systems, policies and attitudes, to find solutions that drive real, lasting change. Our goal is an education system where every student in Australia, whatever the challenges they face, has equal opportunity to thrive and build a bright future for themselves.
Through advocacy grounded in evidence, research, and lived experience we work to influence systems, policies and attitudes, to find solutions that drive real, lasting change. Our goal is an education system where every student in Australia, whatever the challenges they face, has equal opportunity to thrive and build a bright future for themselves.
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.