The Smith Family
Victoria University and The Smith Family share a commitment to supporting students experiencing disadvantage, helping them unlock better futures for themselves through their education.
The Smith Family is a national, independent children’s education charity, working in over 90 low SES communities across all states and territories. The Smith Family have been supporting children, young people and families experiencing disadvantage for over 100 years. Together, VU and The Smith Family set students up for long-term success through the Learning for Life program.
About our collaboration
The Smith Family’s belief is that education is one of the world’s most powerful change agents, and actively work in partnership with families and their communities to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty.
Through generous support from sponsors, The Smith Family’s Tertiary Scholarship Program helps students to cover some of their education-related expenses, supports them as they navigate the demands of tertiary life and provides students with opportunities to support their transition to work.
Our partnership focuses on:
- connecting with secondary students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program to encourage future study at VU, including hosting groups on campus through VU Future Students
- supporting tertiary-aged Learning for Life students studying at VU
- leveraging the support and networks VU can provide to Learning for Life students through the work of the VU Employability and Careers team
- encouraging volunteering of VU students and staff through The Smith Family, including through ‘VU Vollies’ and V4U Day.
