Former public high school students involved in the Ourschool alumni program are giving back to their communities by providing work experience and career guidance to school students.

The Ross Trust is a funding partner of the Ourschool program. The latest results from an evaluation report shows the program is having a strong, positive impact on students, alumni and teachers involved.   

More than 4000 students from nine pilot schools have taken part in the program’s alumni career pathway sessions, where alumni are invited back to school to speak to students about their study and career pathways since leaving school. 

More than 70 work experience placements have been offered by alumni. Samuel Malual, (pictured) is a Keysborough College alum who has taken part in the program’s career pathway sessions. 

“It’s important for young people to see themselves in role models,” Samuel said.

“For me, coming back to school is about trying to inspire new Australians to see themselves in roles that exist for everybody; to see themselves as part of this country.” 

Samuel is a diversity and inclusion co-ordinator at North Melbourne Football Club. He recently hosted Ty, a Year 10 student, for work experience at the club via the Ourschool program.

“Ty was a great kid, always on time, has the hunger to learn and always asked questions,” Samuel said.

“From my perspective it was great to have such a keen young person alongside me for the week. Not only did he learn from me, I learnt from him.”

The Ourschool program will continue this year, with plans to have new schools join the program for the 2020 school year. The expanded service will be based on a geographic cluster of schools, with plans to offer the expanded service in Geelong, Ballarat and several regions in Melbourne subject to securing further funding. 

Photo: Samuel Malual with Ty, a Keysborough College work experience student