Smith Family
Smith Family
The Smith Family is a national, independent charity that works in partnership with schools to support students experiencing disadvantage, with a strong focus on improving educational outcomes and long-term life opportunities. Kurnai College was fortunate to connect with The Smith Family for a pilot program in 2014, which was so successful that the connection continues across the college.
What is The Smith Family?
The Smith Family is a well-established Australian organisation with over 100 years of experience supporting children and young people. Its core purpose is to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty, recognising that education is one of the most powerful ways to change a young person’s future.
Working in communities across Australia, the organisation partners with schools, families and local services to help students stay engaged in learning and successfully complete their education.
How The Smith Family works at Kurnai College
The Smith Family works closely with the schools to identify and support students who may be facing barriers to learning. This support is long-term, evidence-based and tailored to individual needs, complementing the work already happening in classrooms.
Their programs are often delivered in partnership with schools or on school sites, helping ensure students can access support in a familiar, supportive environment.
Key programs and services
The Smith Family provides a wide range of programs that support students at different stages of their education, including:
- Learning for Life Program – their flagship program, offering a combination of financial assistance (e.g. uniforms, books), personal support, and access to learning programs to help students succeed at school
- Learning Clubs – after-school sessions that provide homework help and build literacy and study skills in a safe, supportive environment
- Literacy and numeracy programs – targeted support to build foundational reading and maths skills
- Mentoring and career programs – helping students build confidence, set goals and explore future pathways beyond school
- Transition programs – supporting students moving from primary to secondary school
- Family and community support – connecting families with services and resources to strengthen engagement with education
- Indigenous Advancement Strategy – connecting Indigenous students and families to cultural wellbeing, educational and community opportunities that support all pathways
Impact in schools
Through its partnership approach, The Smith Family helps to:
- Improve student attendance, engagement and confidence
- Build essential literacy, numeracy and study skills
- Provide practical resources and support to reduce barriers to learning
- Strengthen connections between school, home and community
- Support students to complete Year 12 and pursue further education or employment
Supporting student wellbeing and success
The Smith Family’s work complements school wellbeing and teaching programs by providing additional layers of support for students who need it most. By focusing on early intervention and ongoing assistance, the organisation helps students stay connected to school and realise their full potential.
Through strong partnerships with Kurnai, The Smith Family plays an important role in creating equitable opportunities for all students, ensuring every young person has the chance to succeed regardless of their circumstances.