June 13th, 2025Learning for Life funding
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll visited St Albans East Primary School to announce a $6 million expansion of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, which provides financial help to low-income families and keeps our most vulnerable students engaged at every stage of their education.
The extension will support an additional 4000 students over four years through the program, which already helps almost 15,000 students across the state.
The program supports students from low-income families to remain engaged in learning and achieve their potential, focusing on improving learning, wellbeing, achievement, Year 12 completion and post-school engagement in education, employment and training.
The program includes initiatives aimed at easing financial burdens on families, helping with the cost of school essentials like uniforms, books, and excursions.
Families receive guidance and advice from a dedicated Learning for Life Coordinator, to make sure students and their families have the practical and emotional support they need throughout their education.
The program also delivers access to a range of programs to improve student engagement in education, including literacy and numeracy programs, learning clubs, careers and digital inclusion programs.
The Learning for Life program has proven to be highly effective. Over 80 per cent of participating students, who completed Year 12 in 2022, were in work, study or training in the 18 months after leaving school. A further 12 per cent were looking for work or volunteering.
The Smith Family has a strong presence in outer metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria where it supports 40,000 children, young people, parents and carers each year.
