$6 million to unlock the potential of Indigenous Students

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) is receiving $6 million over two years to deliver its Imagination curriculum and mentoring program to keep young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people engaged in their education and growing their aspirations.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the funding will allow AIME to continue their innovative program that supports more than 6,500 Indigenous students annually on their path to universityand beyond.

“AIME has demonstrated how sparking imagination builds confidence and helps people discover what they want to achieve in life,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Over a number of years, AIME has worked to address educational inequality by helping Indigenous students graduate from secondary school, get in to university or another form of tertiary learning and ultimately a long-term and rewarding career.

“AIME has already touched the lives of more than 20,000 young people by providing a platform for university students and community ambassadors to give back through mentorship, tutoring sessions, workshops and an established curriculum to unleash peoples’creativity.

“This funding will enable AIME to continue to deliver their program across 33 locations, as well as online and through partnerships with 250 schools.

“The Morrison Government is proud to support AIME is its work with students, families, communities and institutions to change mindsets and inspire Indigenous students to achieve more than they thought possible academically and after school.”

AIME’s lead on Australian and Global programs, Rhian Miller, said the program is life-changing that empowers youth to take charge of their education journey.

“This investment in AIME continues to create education parity and a fairer world for thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students every year,” Ms Miller said.

“It helps young people like me who might be shy or reserved to gain confidence and realise that they can be part of the solutions and create a new reality for Indigenous students.”

Building on its reach, AIME recently launched IMAGI-NATION{TV}, an online television program that’s helping keep young people connected to mentors and using their imagination.