In 2008 the Victorian Smith Family Aspiring Leaders Program was launced successfully with thirteen participants from around the Bairnsdale area taking part in the program.  The success of the inaugural program was followed up with similar success in 2009. It is hoped with the success of the previous two programs that other students involved with the Smith Family Learning for Life Program will be attrached to the program in September 2010.

About Learning for Life

The Learning for Life program provides disadvantaged students with financial support to assist with educational expenses and access to programs such as homework clubs, literacy support and mentoring. There are currently 24,000 Australian students from 84 communities across the country taking part in the Smith Families Learning for LifeProgram. Once joining the program, students are supported by Learning for Life for their entire education, with sponsorship extending to university and – for the first time this year – to vocational training courses at private colleges and TAFEs.

Approximately half of the 500 Australian students set to receive a tertiary scholarship this year are participating in vocational training, pursuing a wide range of careers from hairdressing to architecture to business management.

The Learning for Life scholarships are funded by The Smith Family’s corporate partners, trusts and foundations, VIEW clubs and generous members of the general public who elect to sponsor an Australian child’s  education. Learning for Life sponsorships start at less than a dollar a day to provide primary school students with financial assistance and access to vital education programs. The Smith Family is currently seeking more sponsors to allow another 10,000 students to join the program, taking the number supported nationally to 34,000.

The Smith Family and Schools select the participants to be part of The Aspiring Leaders program from those participants already invested in the Learning for life program.