Kickstart my career with culture

Project Timeline:  2018 – 2020

This project examined the characteristics of effective out-of-school programs to engage students at risk of poor educational outcomes. The target group were primarily, though not limited to, students who identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. This project included an examination of existing programs throughout Australia, and associated research, to identify what is known in relation to engaging at-risk youth.

The project then examined the effectiveness of the ‘Kickstart my Career with Culture’ program in enhancing the engagement with, and success in, formal education for at-risk youth in the ACT, Australia.

The ‘Kickstart my Career with Culture’ program is a joint initiative between the Community Services, Environment and Planning, and Education directorates. ‘Kickstart my Career’ will support improvements in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement's key focus on education, cultural identity and employment and economic independence. The initiative will expand opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth by providing additional learning opportunities in culture and land management, and in career support tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through two programs.

This project involved a review of programs around Australia to then inform an evaluation of the ACT program ‘Kickstart my Career with Culture’.

Through this project we developed insights into the design and objectives of effective programs for at-risk youth, and the features of such programs that enhance educational attainment.

• Education in rural and regional areas strategic review
• Re-centring Outback Education
• Equity and curriculum form: Access and achievement in the ACT senior secondary curriculum
• Evaluation of the Schools for All Evaluation Plan