Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Digital Access
Internet and devices for learning at home
Our Digital Access approach improves families’ digital inclusion by ensuring all Learning for Life families have access to low cost internet and devices as well as tech support and the knowledge on how to make the most of the technology they have.
At the Smith Family we want families to be digitally included so they can not only reap the educational benefits of being connected but also enables them to participate in our digital programs and access key services online.
Our Digital Access approach is able to deliver devices, internet plans and tech support to our Learning for Life families. At this point, due to funding constraints we are only able to offer this program to our current Learning for Life families.
How does the Digital Access Program help?
The Smith Family has long recognised the importance technology plays in a child’s education, having delivered digital technologies to families in our programs beginning in 2007. In 2022/2023, we have delivered over 2,500 Digital Inclusion Packs to our Learning for Life families in need of digital access and almost 11,000 students and family members were
connected through Optus Donate Your Data. Our Digital Inclusion Packs include a laptop and/or an internet package along with Tech Support to ensure families have the support they need to use the technology they receive.
A survey in 2020 with families who had received a Digital Inclusion Pack from us found the following;
97% of parents reported having a device and/or internet in the home has been helpful for their child/ren’s education
65% of parents reported that having a device/internet helped their child/ren with online learning during COVID-19
75% of parents reported their child/ren’s ability to undertake schoolwork has increased
74% of parents said their child/ren’s skills in using a computer has increased
Receiving the laptop and internet package at such a difficult time in life with this COVID-19 pandemic happening was such an amazing gift from you all it has helped not only my son who's in year 11 it also helped my other 3 children tremendously they were able to do almost all of their online work they were sent from there schools they were also able to video link talk with their teachers on difficult areas they were facing with school work that was very hard to do without being in a classroom but with the help from you and receiving this laptop and internet bundle it really did help a lot thank you.
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.
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.