A co-designed project led by Dr Juliana Ryan aims to empower young people in regional communities to build confidence, strengthen networks and explore meaningful pathways beyond school.
Funded by Brian M Davis Charitable Foundation and in partnership with AVID Center (Australia), the Hellenic Museum, Dr Anne Southall and Dr Carla Luguetti, the Becoming Me project brings together young people, educators and trained youth facilitators to co-design an educational program focused on building tertiary and career readiness and taking the next step into a future beyond school.
“Too many young people face persistent barriers to completing secondary education and accessing further study or career opportunities,” says Dr Ryan.
The Becoming Me project will address these disparities by providing targeted, peer-facilitated mentoring and support.
“The project uses creative practices such as art, drama and storytelling to create a safe space for participants to reflect on who they are, what matters to them and how their passions could connect to real-world opportunities.”
Following a successful Melbourne pilot in 2022, the research team is now seeking young people to come on board as co-designers for Becoming Me in Bendigo.
If you, or someone you know, are aged 18–25, live in Bendigo or surrounds, and aren’t currently in full-time education or work, please contact project coordinator Amy Howard, a.howard@latrobe.edu.au to get involved.
