February 16th, 2026Kickstarting Hands-On Learning For Students

Victorian students will now have more chances to experience hands-on learning and develop real-world skills in the classroom.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced recently that nine schools will share in almost $50,000 through the Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants.

The grants target schools offering the VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate and support innovative, community-focused projects that connect learning with real-life experiences.

The 2026 recipients are:

• Corryong College
• Echuca Twin River Specialist School
• Gleneagles Secondary College
• Hampton Park Secondary College
• Hester Hornbook Academy
• John Paul College
• Merri River School
• Rushworth P-12 College
• Yea High School

At Hampton Park Secondary College, funding will support an intergenerational volunteering project through partnerships with Lynbrook Park Aged Care and Dementia Australia.

Gleneagles Secondary College will develop a community cookbook celebrating the school’s cultural diversity.

Rushworth P–12 College will establish a student-led media production hub in partnership with Waranga News.

Hester Hornbrook Academy will produce a children’s literature podcast in partnership with a local publisher, re-engaging students who have become disengaged from education.

The government is investing in our children’s future – with Free TAFE, Free Kinder and 121 new schools, every child has the chance to find their pathway.

More information and a full list of recipients is available at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au