Our Story
About
Education CHANCES began in 2006 after commissioned research highlighted considerable
levels of scattered poverty and social isolation in Boroondara.The Boroondara community
ranks number one for relative advantage in Victoria. This image of affluence threatens to
conceal the challenges faced by some families in the community. Despite the wealth around
them, over 4,000 young people, aged 12-25 live in households with incomes that place them
below the poverty line. Finding support in a relatively affluent area can be challenging,
people may feel shame in asking for help and the support that is available is often less
accessible and resourced.
Our Mission
To harness the power of education and inclusion, by providing scholarships to young people in Boroondara in Melbourne's East.
Our Vision
To nurture and promote hope, self-belief and future pathways for young people in Boroondara.
About Us
Although Boroondara is one of the wealthiest municipalities in Victoria, it is home to 4,000+ young people in neighbourhoods with pockets of poverty, who live below the poverty line. The 2021 Census reported that 5,700 Boroondara residents ages 0-25, live in households with an equivalised* income among the lowest 25% in Victoria (less than $602 per week, or $31,300 per annum).
If you are a financially disadvantaged young person attending school in Boroondara, the social divide is clearly visible. It is harder for young people from financially disadvantaged homes to achieve educationally, due to limited resources: inability to buy textbooks, computer supplies and meet the costs of camps and excursions. These situations can restrict the young person’s ability to participate in extracurricular, social, or cultural activities, which may lead to social isolation and adversely affect their educational achievements.
The Value of Education CHANCES
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Education is the key to breaking people out of a generational poverty cycle. Our 2023 evaluation of Education CHANCES by independent consultants Think Impact, concluded that for every $1 invested in education, CHANCES scholarships generated between $16 and $19 of social and economic benefit. This benefit was delivered to the students, their families, and the wider community. You can view a summary of this study using the following link — Executive Summary from the Education CHANCES Study by Think Impact.
Education CHANCES Management
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The Education CHANCES Program is primarily a volunteer organisation, overheads are very low which assists the ongoing sustainability of the program. Our Financial Reports confirm that we are viable, and well managed and can assure our current students of our ongoing commitment to them.
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It remains our priority to continue to raise funds to be able to support our students.