- Minister for Higher Education
- Minister for Training and Skills
The Andrews Labor Government is helping break the cycle of disadvantage by providing extra support for care leavers and young people in out-of-home care so they can more easily access high quality education and training.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today visited La Trobe University’s Shepparton Campus to announce more than $1 million in funding to renew the successful Raising Expectations program until the end of 2022.
Young people who have spent time in out-of-home care often face more challenges in life than other children, particularly when it comes to higher education, health and employment outcomes.
The program works to improve young people’s chances of breaking out of the cycle of disadvantage by supporting young people to get the education they need, for the job they want. Students are provided with resources, services, financial support and advice, including assistance in selecting and enrolling in TAFE and university courses.
The program has been highly successful since it was introduced in 2015, with more than 200 care leavers now studying at Federation University, La Trobe University and Swinburne University.
Raising Expectations is a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Federation University Australia, La Trobe University and Swinburne University of Technology.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
The Labor Government is also supporting young Victorians in out-of-home care through the landmark $11.6 million ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Stretch program that is extending the age they can receive much needed support from 18 to 21 years, ensuring more young people in care can successfully transition into confident, healthy and independent adults.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“Every Victorian deserves the chance to get a good education – this landmark program breaks the cycle of disadvantage and supports some of the most vulnerable get the training they need for the job they want.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“Under the Liberals, vulnerable Victorians were on their own with funding for TAFE slashed and supports for the most marginalised axed. It’s only Labor that is giving our young the support they need to grow and thrive.”
As stated by Associate Professor Andrew Harvey, Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity
“La Trobe University welcomes the Victorian Government’s extension of funding to improve university access and success for care leavers. La Trobe is founded on social justice, and Raising Expectations helps us to support one of society’s most marginalised groups.”
