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: equal access to vital digital tools
Digital technology is a fundamental part of 21st century learning. Yet some children are missing out.
Today’s students conduct much of their schoolwork online. Assignments, homework activities and learning programs are often delivered and completed via the internet – and students must have access to appropriate devices, and the knowledge to use them, or risk falling behind.
Over half of the families The Smith Family supports say they can’t afford the essential digital learning tools their children need.1
Families on low incomes are some of the most digitally excluded in Australia.2 This often means children do not have the data, devices or skills they need to fully participate in their education.
We received a laptop from The Smith Family, and it’s helped with a lot of schoolwork. It also helps me participate in programs such as student2student.
Without the laptop and internet, I wouldn’t have been able to do my schoolwork. I’m so very grateful for the support.
About Digital Access
The Digital Access program aims to improve digital inclusion for students and their families. The program provides:
- access to low-cost internet
- devices, such as refurbished laptops
- on-hand technical support for students when they need it
- digital literacy skills, so students have the knowledge to confidently use their device and safely participate in the online world.
The program not only equips students with critical skills and tools for their education today – it sets them up to so they can better navigate the increasingly digital world beyond school.
Digital Access: making an impact
For a child to have an equal chance at a good education, they must have equal access to the learning tools they need. This includes digital tools and the skills to use them. That’s why The Smith Family has been delivering digital technologies to the students and families we support since 2007.
Our success so far
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33,397
students connected so far to the internet through the Optus Donate Your Data® initiative -
6,425
devices given to students in 2023–24
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.
1The Smith Family (2024), Family Pulse Survey.
2QUT Digital Media Research Centre, Advancing digital inclusion in low income Australian families: Interim findings report, October 2022.