Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs The Connections
Empowering education leaders to improve education outcomes for increased equity
In Australia, it is well established that children and young people in schools and early years settings located in communities facing significant challenges are at greater risk of poorer outcomes compared to those in more advantaged areas.
Improving educational outcomes for children and young people experiencing disadvantage brings benefits beyond their education experience that are lifelong impacts.
Improving educational outcomes for children and young people experiencing disadvantage brings benefits beyond their education experience that are lifelong impacts.
Every child and young person in Australia deserves a ‘fair go’. Access to a great education opens the door to lifelong benefits including better health, greater employment opportunities, and higher income. This is the power of education.
However, to achieve these outcomes, school and early years leaders need more support than they are currently receiving. By empowering collaboration and providing shared opportunities, we enable leaders to learn from each other and tackle complex challenges collectively. This support ensures they are equipped to drive meaningful improvements and deliver equitable, high-quality education for all children and young people.
However, to achieve these outcomes, school and early years leaders need more support than they are currently receiving. By empowering collaboration and providing shared opportunities, we enable leaders to learn from each other and tackle complex challenges collectively. This support ensures they are equipped to drive meaningful improvements and deliver equitable, high-quality education for all children and young people.
What is The Connection?
Every child and young person should have access to quality education and great life outcomes. The Smith Family’s Connection initiative empowers school and early years leaders by:
Partnering with leaders in disadvantaged communities across Australia.
Fostering collaboration and networks to share expertise and drive improvement.
Pooling resources and insights to create better opportunities for children and young people.
Independent evaluation by RMIT researchers shows that participation in The Connection leads to strong, measurable improvements across participating early years and school settings. After 3–5 years:
- All NSW and SA schools and 75% of Victorian schools are implementing innovative and effective teaching practices.
- 94–100% report very high improvement in pedagogical content knowledge.
- All NSW and SA leaders and three-quarters in Victoria gained new knowledge relevant to their roles.
- Many principals and teachers report significant improvements in student engagement, learning and development.
- 73% of schools improved academic outcomes, student agency and understanding of learning processes.
Working closely with like‑minded leaders invigorated our leadership team and enriched our thinking.
The Connection has produced many opportunities to communicate, collaborate and spark new thinking.
I came out of my comfort zone and tried new things and had a say.
How does The Connection work?
Leaders from early years settings and schools work with a Relationship Manager to identify challenges and co-design a Project Action Plan using The Connection’s evidence base. They are supported to develop a solution-focused mindset and apply evidence-informed improvement practices. Through events like Thought Leadership Gatherings, Hub Days, and international explorations, leaders collaborate, share insights, and contribute to The Connection’s growing knowledge network.
The Connection’s impact so far
80 schools supported
25 early years sites supported
4,200 leaders empowered
80,000 young people engaged
Our learning programs
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.
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.