EdConnect partnership expands to Victoria

A partnership enabling a school volunteer program to support around 1000 young Western Australian students each year since 2016 will be expanded in Victoria in 2025.

Run by EdConnect Australia and supported by the Alcoa Foundation, the Connecting Generations for School Success will commence for the first time in the Glenelg Shire in south western Victoria where Alcoa operates its Portland Aluminium Smelter.

Since the partnership commenced in WA in 2016, the Alcoa Foundation has contributed more than $1.1 million in funding to allow the volunteer program to run across the Kwinana, Peel and upper South West regions.

Alcoa Foundation has committed more than $500,000 of additional funding to allow the program to continue for the next three years and to expand in Victoria.

This vital partnership will allow EdConnect to expand its school volunteer program, offering more students the emotional, social, and academic support they need to thrive. But the benefits don’t stop there – it is also a way for volunteers to stay active, engaged, and connected to their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Alcoa Foundation President Caroline Rossignol said the foundation was proud to continue and grow its partnership with EdConnect for a further three years.

“The Connecting Generations for Success program has already had a significant impact in south Western Australian communities,” Ms Rossignol said.

“Our investment aims to support more students in more classrooms, and we are excited to announce the growth of the program into Victoria.”

EdConnect CEO Michael Pailthorpe said the partnership was a gamechanger for the program.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for people of all ages to come together, share their experiences, and make a lasting difference in the lives of young Australians,” he said.

EdConnect will be working with an increased number of schools in 2025 offering fun, flexible volunteering opportunities including reading support, helping in the classroom, and mentoring, as well as running before-school Breakfast Clubs to suit busy or working volunteers and provide additional support to children.

For more information on how to get involved, visit https://www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/.