Building a Path to Success

At the State Trustees Australia Foundation, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. That’s why we’re proud to support Banksia Gardens Community Services (BGCS) and their Northern Centre for Excellence in School Engagement (NCESE), a program that provides critical support to students facing barriers to their education. This program works with students, families, schools and communities to address the increasing issue of school disengagement, ensuring that vulnerable students stay connected, empowered, and able to thrive.

Comprehensive and Community-Driven Solutions

NCESE’s approach is multifaceted, aiming to foster collaboration between schools, families, and communities. Key elements of the program include:

• Building Capacity: By providing professional development, coaching, and mentoring, NCESE equips school staff and partner agencies with the tools needed to better support vulnerable students.

• Flexible Learning: For students requiring long-term support, Project REAL offers an adaptable and sustainable learning model designed for those with histories of disengagement or exclusion from school.

• Family Engagement and Innovation: NCESE introduces innovative family engagement and trauma-informed practices, helping to build stronger, more inclusive education strategies that support students both at school and at home.

• Shaping Future Policy: Through its work, NCESE contributes valuable insights to the development of best practices and policy recommendations, shaping how schools in Victoria and beyond approach the issue of disengagement.

Building a Path to Success

With the support of the State Trustees Australia Foundation, NCESE is helping create long-term, sustainable solutions to school disengagement. By empowering students with the guidance, resources, and support they need, we’re working together to build a brighter future for young people in our communities.

Visit the Banksia Gardens Community Services and their Northern Centre for Excellence in School Engagement website to find out more information.

About the State Trustees Australia Foundations

Established in 1994 as a public charitable trust, the State Trustees Australia Foundation has been a cornerstone of community giving for 30 years. The Foundation has distributed over $45.5 million to support life-changing projects in areas such as mental health, disability inclusion, ageing well, and community engagement across Victoria.