NSW – Creating financial stability and independence for young people
Submitted by Geoff, 5 Oct 2011
The Beacon Foundation provides best practice programs that engage local business to provide more opportunities for volunteer work, site tours and student mentoring – giving students an insight into and inspiration for life after school. We’ve formed long term partnerships with these schools and in 2011 we are funding The Beacon Foundation’s programs working across 4 schools in the Southern, South Western and Western Sydney areas, giving some added guidance to a number of students.
In 2009 the unemployment rate for all 15-19 year olds not in full-time education and looking for full-time work was over 34%. The unemployment rate for school students who are part of the Beacon programs and who left school at year 10 to look for full time work, is under
half this at 12%.
One Beacon program example is Lunch with the Girls, a day’s mentoring event designed to inspire young women at risk of disengaging from school to reach their full potential. We have run successful events with 2 schools, receiving fantastic student feedback.
“I had a great day and you have really changed how I see myself. I am going to try really hard to get my dream job. You are amazing and have inspired me to do better in life and try and achieve my goals. Thank you for today and for showing me that I can do anything that I set my mind to!” Plumpton High School student.