A Start In Life

Founded in 1923, A Start in Life has for over 90 years assisted young Australians in necessitous circumstances to overcome the barriers to their education, enabling them to reach their potential. WHO WE SUPPORT: We support young Australians (up to 24 years) in pre-school, primary school, high school, vocational education and university, whose circumstances have been assessed as “necessitous”. All students supported by A Start in Life are living below the poverty line and with limited or no family assets. Their poverty is often compounded by various other indicators of social disadvantage, such as poor health, geographical remoteness and social isolation. These young people are at risk of underperformance and disengagement from education. Our program is open to students and families from across Australia. Students may be of any gender, race, ethnicity or religion. They are typically referred to us by the Department of Family and Community Services, schools and universities, psychologists, and other welfare agencies and community groups. CURRENT ACTIVITIES: A Start in Life provides tailored support to around 200 young people each year. Based on each student’s identified needs, support may include: • Financial aid for educational essentials • Financial assistance for accommodation where students are required to live away from home to pursue an education • Recognising scholastic attainments and encouraging vocational or professional ambitions or aptitudes Increasingly, we are extending our support to students to encompass all aspects of a well-rounded education, which are paramount to students reaching their potential. This may include: • Participation in school camps/excursions • Participation in social and extra-curricular activities • Remedial tuition • Home computer and internet • Assistance with addressing medical barriers which are are interfering with students’ performance, attendance and/or wellbeing at school