Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Learning Clubs: after-school homework help
All children need support with their learning. But children living with poverty often can’t get the help they need.
Students experiencing disadvantage can need extra support to learn and thrive at school.1 Many such students are behind in the essential skills when they begin primary school,2 and sometimes lack the confidence and opportunity to catch up and keep up with their classmates.
Lack of educational support at home can have a lasting impact on a child’s future.
In families living with disadvantage, parents often find themselves working long hours to make ends meet. This can mean they have little time to help their children with homework.
I like doing my homework with my amazing mentor, Susie – and if we have enough time, we can play a game!
The students, many who are facing disadvantage or learning challenges, are full of joy and eager to learn. I feel so privileged to watch the growth among the students.”
Learning Clubs – free after-school support
After-school Learning Clubs give children learning help in a safe, supportive environment. This free program is open to primary and secondary students, and allows them to participate in activities that develop their academic skills and confidence.
Learning Clubs can differ across the country according to need and location. Some clubs, for example, provide homework support, tutoring, help with literacy and numeracy, or help with a specific skill set (cognitive or non–cognitive) so students can more fully benefit from their in-class learning.
Usually operating in Terms 2 and 3 each year, Learning Clubs are run by trained volunteer tutors, with students attending once or twice a week. The high student-to-tutor ratio gives children the opportunity to ask questions and receive targeted support and encouragement.
An effective, evidence-based program
Research shows that offering learning opportunities outside school hours helps improve students’ learning success, and positively influences their educational and personal outcomes.
Through regular attendance at Learning Clubs, students can enhance their learning and development skills. Participating students and their teachers also report increased confidence and motivation towards learning.3
In 2023–24, a total of 2,735 primary and secondary students attended Learning Clubs across Australia.
Our success so far
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78%
of participants say attending Learning Clubs teaches them to ask for help when needed -
79%
of participants say attending Learning Clubs makes them try harder at school -
76%
of participants say attending Learning Clubs helps them engage more in classroom activities
Our learning programs
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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. -
Arts programs
Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options. -
Community programs
We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children. -
Financial programs
We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness. -
School transition programs
Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment. -
Learning Clubs
After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning. -
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. -
Literacy programs
Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard. -
Educators programs
The Connection brings educators together to strengthen leadership practice and improve outcomes for children and young people. -
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future. -
Numeracy programs
We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care. -
Technology programs
Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need. -
Work experience programs
We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.
1Lamb, S., Huo, S., Walstab, A., Wade, A., Maire, Q., Doecke, E. and Endekov, Z. (2020). “Educational opportunity in Australia 2020: Who succeeds and who misses out”.
2Australian Early Development Census (2021). “Australian Early Development Census - Department of Education, Australian Government”
3The Smith Family. “2022–23 Program Outcome Summary”