The Territory Labor Government is investing $964,000 in a program to inspire Aboriginal students to strive for better education and employment outcomes.

The Aboriginal Students Aspirations Program will be trialled in secondary schools across the Territory in Semester 2 this year with the program fully underway by 2022.

The Aspirations Program aims to engage Aboriginal students, parents, schools and the business community in a partnership designed to improve student engagement and support them to find future pathways, academic or vocational, by:

·       engaging with professionals in selected fields;

·       enriching learning experiences - for example, enabling attendance at online company meetings and participating in technology camps;

·       providing opportunities for paid employment during school holidays; and

·       rewarding outstanding student performance - for example, offering opportunities to travel interstate for further learning experiences.

Teaching, engineering, defence, space, cyber-security, financial services, health, law, law enforcement and the arts are amongst employment focus areas.

While project details are still being finalised, several business groups and organisations have expressed interest in being involved with the program.

Universities will also be brought on board to show students how they can participate in learning environments beyond school.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Lauren Moss:

“The Territory Labor Government is committed to seeing our students reach their potential and this program will inspire, engage and support Aboriginal students to realise their education and employment ambitions.

“Schools will nominate students who are likely to benefit from this initiative.

“This will begin as a pilot program and, if successful, will be expanded into more schools across the NT.”

Media contact: Jasmin Afianos – 0419 361 127