A Start in Life

Founded in 1923, A Start in Life has for over 90 years assisted young Australians in necessitous circumstances to overcome the barriers to their education, enabling them to reach their potential. WHO WE SUPPORT: We support young Australians (up to 24 years) in pre-school, primary school, high school, vocational education and university, whose circumstances have been assessed as necessitous. All students supported by A Start in Life are living below the poverty line and with limited or no family assets. Their poverty is often compounded by various other indicators of social disadvantage, such as poor health, geographical remoteness and social isolation. These young people are at risk of underperformance and disengagement from education. Our program is open to students and families from across Australia. Students may be of any gender, race, ethnicity or religion. They are typically referred to us by the Department of Family and Community Services, schools and universities, ps...