An important celebration was held at Parliament House today for Indigenous students who have graduated from Year 12 with the help of the Gillard Government’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP).
 
Minister for School Education Peter Garrett said this was a special day for the 138 Indigenous students, many of whom are the first in their families to complete Year 12.
 
“These graduates are paving the way for a new generation of leaders, who will not only go on to support their local communities, but also be role models for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. For me this is one of the most important days of the year as we recognise the achievements of these young people, who will be huge role models for their family and community,” Mr Garrett said.
 
“For example, we are seeing IYLP participants become school captains and peer supporters, a number are going to university and have won prestigious scholarship prizes.

“The IYLP supports these students by providing education scholarships worth more than $16,800 each year to help with education costs and leadership development.”
 
In 2010 and 2011, 97 per cent of participants, who started Year 12 with the support of the IYLP received their Year 12 certificates. The 2012 Year 12 achievement rate is expected to be similar, with these results to be announced in early 2013.
 
“This year the program supported 647 high school students, mainly from remote areas, at 72 schools across Australia. This is up from 516 students from 70 schools last year, which is a great result,” Mr Garrett said.
 
“The IYLP is helping us meet the 2020 Closing the Gap target of doubling the rate of Year 12 or equivalent attainment by Indigenous students.”
 
Today’s celebration included a presentation by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, museum and Parliament House tours, and a workshop on preparing students for the transition beyond Year 12.
 
For more information about the IYLP, visit:
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Indigenous/Schooling/Programs/IYLP/Pages/IYLP.aspx