New academy program to support young Indigenous men at Ballina Coast High

BALLINA Coast High School has launched a new Young Men’s Academy aimed at supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through a 12-month education and mentoring program.

The program is run by the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy and follows the success of the school’s existing Young Women’s Academy.

Up to 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys will take part in the academy, which focuses on improving school engagement, building cultural identity and supporting future education and employment pathways.

The academy provides ongoing support including transport, in-class assistance and extracurricular activities centred on culture, education and community connection.

Project director Blake Borgia said students would take part in weekly workshops covering culture, health, wellbeing and confidence.

“Each week, students participate in national workshops covering culture, health, wellbeing and confidence, and they also attend larger-scale events where they meet peers from other academies across New South Wales,” he said.

“The boys’ academy starts with 50 students, supported by two dedicated staff, and we plan to expand as enrolments grow.

 

“The school’s involvement is critical; the program only works because we have strong partnerships with the school and its staff.”

Students, staff and parents attended the official launch at the school, which included traditional dance and music performances supported by mentors.

The program also includes a pathway component for older students, linking them with post-school opportunities in education, employment and community life.

Borgia said the girls’ academy at the school had already delivered strong outcomes.

“We’ve seen graduation rates of 93 to 95 per cent over the last few years,” he said.

“We’ve also seen female suspensions drop by 66 per cent at Ballina Coast High, and we’re looking to provide the same level of support for the boys.”