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  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
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Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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Empowering Students for the Future: The Impact of the Growing Careers Project

22 May 2025

All students deserve the chance to explore career options, but for those living in disadvantage, this opportunity is often out of reach. Many miss out on experiences that could shape their next steps. That’s why The Smith Family’s Growing Careers Project is so crucial.

It gives students a chance to experience the workplace while they’re still in school. This early exposure helps them make better choices about their future, leading to more opportunities to work, train or study when they finish school.

Our Program Coordinators work with 60 secondary schools nationwide to create custom programs that meet each school’s needs.

Through hands-on activities, students build confidence and motivation and start thinking about what they want to study or where they want to work after graduating from school.

The activities vary in length, from short industry-focused activities to longer programs, and include opportunities for one-on-one mentoring or spending a few days in the workplace.

Many students feel uncertain about career options and lack the confidence to make the right decisions. Salma, a student taking part in the Growing Careers Project, says, ‘Speaking to these mentors really gives you motivation, and it changed my views on other career paths and opportunities I might take.’

Nars, an employer, joined the program to share his story and inspire students, especially those from communities where higher education is less common. He wants to show students what’s possible and how education can change lives, ‘Some students may be the first one to finish university in their family, and if you're able to unlock that potential and support them making a difference to not just their family, but also Australia.’

Navdeep, a Careers and Transition Advisor, organised a careers expo that connected students with professionals from various industries. At the expo, students met representatives from different industries and had the chance to ask questions. After attending the expo, Assad, a student, said, ‘It makes me feel confident and looking forward to the future.’

Growing Careers Project helps young people explore career options and make informed decisions about their future. With support from the program, students can shape their own future with more options and guidance. Thank you!

The Growing Careers Project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Education.

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