We must provide learning support for 18,922 children by 30 June.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs
Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Corporate partnerships
  Corporate partnerships give young Australians in need the chance to change their futures through educational support. Discover how you can join forces with The Smith Family to create a mutually-beneficial, impactful partnership.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW Clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 13,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
Login
Child Sponsorship
Donate now

iTrack showed Ashley different ways to achieve her dream

17 April 2019

Ashley knew early on that she wanted to go to university. But she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to achieve the entrance mark. Being matched with a mentor through our online iTrack program gave Ashley the confidence and skills to follow her dream.

“My parents never went to university. So it was good to have someone to talk to who had been to university and gone through that whole process. My mentor was able to talk it through with me and help me understand everything,” said Ashley, age 17.

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds often lack access to networks that can connect them to study and career opportunities. Without community and family-based sources of advice, support and information, young people end up being disadvantaged further.¹

Through iTrack, we pair students in Years 9 to 11 with volunteer mentors from a professional background who offer guidance about post-school options.

“I got matched with a lady named Mae. She was a lawyer and gave me heaps of tips on planning my time, scheduling and where to look for advice leading towards university.

Beforehand, I wasn’t really certain of the paths I could take but iTrack opened my eyes to the different opportunities that are out there."

Now Ashley is in her final year of school and is studying hard. She is also involved in extra-curricular activities and keeping busy as school captain.

85% of iTrack students felt more confident about career/study options

“I found iTrack really useful. My mentor’s advice is coming in handy now that I’m starting to get into my assessment period as well as looking at university courses.”

Ashley feels clearer about her future and can’t wait to be surrounded by like-minded people when she continues her studies after high school.

“I am planning on studying either teaching or an arts degree. I’m looking forward to being able to study something that I’m truly passionate about,” said Ashley.

^1. Raposa E Erickson L Hagler M & J Rhodes 2018 How economic disadvantage affects the availability of mentoring relationships during the transition to adulthood Am J Community Psychology 61: 191-203