Find your why at Youth Inc.
Struggling with traditional school? Youth Inc. helps 17–24-year-olds explore their strengths, follow their passions and gain real-world skills through hands-on projects and personalised learning.
School doesn’t always work the same way for everyone. Some people just don’t thrive in a traditional classroom, and that’s OK. At Youth Inc. there’s a different path – one that helps young people aged 17 to 24 discover their strengths, explore their passions and find a place where they can truly shine.
“We work with awesome young adults who’ve found that conventional schooling didn’t really work out for them,” says Nia Lewis, a learning architect at Youth Inc. “Our focus is on helping students find the things they love, their strengths, and create conditions where they can flourish.”
Here, it’s not about ticking off subjects or memorising facts for tests. It’s about figuring out who you are, where you want to go and how to get there. “We exist to increase students’ sense of identity, direction and agency,” Nia explains. “It’s all about transformational learning – helping young people see what’s possible for themselves.”
Students at Youth Inc. learn through hands-on, project-based learning that connects them with the real world. Amos Wilson, assistant principal, explains: “Our aim is to design learning and experiences that are worth getting out of bed for. We design projects that are embedded in the community, so students can see purpose in what they’re doing.”
One example is a community garden at Maple Avenue. Students turned an unused 200sqm space into a vibrant garden, partnering with local businesses and designers. “That’s a space students have developed, designed and maintained, so they’ve got that legacy and ownership of something that’s existing within the community,” Amos says.
Each week, students split their time between team projects, personal projects and an enrichment program. Team projects, like the community garden, build collaboration, problem-solving and leadership skills. Personal projects are all about self-directed learning – students get to follow their passions and manage their own goals.
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“These projects help develop skills like managing your time, doing something you love and sharing it with the community,” Nia says.
The enrichment program is flexible and evolves around student interests. Whether it’s preparing for a job, exploring creative pursuits or trying something completely new, students have a say in what they want to do. “We constantly co-design based on student feedback,” Amos says. “It’s about giving young people the skills and confidence they need for life beyond school.”
For students, Youth Inc. is life-changing. “I struggled with sitting at a desk and staring at a computer all day,” Montana says. “I’m very practical, so this hands-on learning is perfect for me.”
Akaysha adds: “I dropped out of school after an injury and tried online learning, but it didn’t work for me. Starting at Youth Inc. has been amazing.”
Alex agrees: “Even interacting with people my own age was weird at first. But the staff made it easy, and now I feel confident in ways I never thought possible.”
Socially and emotionally, the support students get is just as important as the skills they develop. “It feels like you’re treated like a friend,” Montana says. “It’s very free-flowing, and the staff are great.”
Akaysha adds: “I was very shy when I first started but now I can talk comfortably with anyone here – students, teachers, staff. It feels safe and supportive.”
Practical, career-focused learning is another highlight. Students can earn real qualifications, gain experience running cafes and get involved in hospitality projects and community events.
“I wouldn’t have thought last year that I’d have these qualifications,” Alex says. “I’m going to be catering for graduation next week. It’s a massive transformation.”
Akaysha agrees. “These opportunities prepare us for the future,” she says. “We learn skills we can use in real jobs, like barista training, customer service and event planning.”
Akaysha will be taking to the stage for an upcoming musical performance at Nexus Arts on December 1o. “Our project is called Amplify and we are putting together a performance for a charity called Food on the Table, which helps cook meals for women’s shelters for domestic violence and those who are also homeless – anyone who needs food,” she says.
Youth Inc. is intentionally small, with around 130 students, so each person gets support tailored to their needs. Every project includes a learning facilitator to help design the projects and a life navigator to provide day-to-day guidance. “Sometimes students need space away from learning to reset,” Amos explains. “That support helps them come back motivated and ready to engage.”
Projects are grouped under five main themes: creative futures, enterprising futures, sustainable futures, digital futures and healthy futures. Students choose the projects that interest them, and the program adapts to accommodate demand. “It’s about keeping students engaged and motivated by what they’re actually interested in,” Nia says.
For students continuing into a second year, the focus shifts to leadership, personal growth and making a positive impact in the community. Enrolment is flexible, with two intake periods a year, in January and July.
The results speak for themselves. “If the me two years ago could see me now, she’d be like, ‘Who are you?’” Montana reflects. Akaysha adds: “I was super introverted and unsure about my future. Now I’ve grown so much, and the opportunities here have been amazing.”
Alex sums it up: “The staff are the best part – they care and support you every step of the way.”
Youth Inc. is more than an alternative school – it’s a place where young people rediscover confidence, explore their passions and gain the skills to create a bright future. With hands-on projects, community engagement and a personalised approach to learning, students find a path that works for them, often in ways traditional schools never could.
“Transformative learning is about changing your perception of self and what you think is possible,” Amos says. “That’s what we aim to do every day.”
Youth Inc. is hosting its Term Four Project Showcase on Monday, December 1, from 4pm-6pm. An information session will be held on Tuesday, December 2, from 3pm-4pm. Tickets are free via Humanitix, but bookings are essential.
