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Media Releases

Doxa’s Cadetship Program offers smart, tech-savvy, entrepreneurial young people for Melbourne businesses

Getting through university and into a job can be tough.  And if a student is new to a city or hasn’t got an established network it can be even tougher.  On top of this there are bills to pay and study to get through.

Doxa’s Cadetship Program supports young people to complete university and gain the skills for an employable future and success in the professional world.

Cadetships are open to young people with challenging life circumstances who have finished high school and are about to go to university. These young people have secured a place at university but are facing significant barriers.

Everyone is different, but this could be financial difficulty, family trauma, being culturally and/or linguistically diverse, being from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or a refugee and/or migrant background.

Since 1993, around 500 young people have participated in the Doxa Cadetship Program.

It is a program that supports young people through university and is one of the most intensive support programs available to disadvantaged undergraduates within the sector.

Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford, said that: “We have a diverse range of students all in great need.  These young people are experiencing, and have experienced, significant disadvantage in their lives. Many are the first in their family to attend university; most are supplementing studies with part-time work. They simply don’t have the social capital, financial support or professional networks that you and I had.”

“What they do have is the skills, a growth mindset and incredible drive to succeed in business and in life. But they need your help in order to achieve this.

“We are calling out for all Melbourne-based organisations – everyone from a corporate big 4 to small, independent start-ups – to take on a Doxa Cadet this year.”

Corporate partners support the program by providing an annual flexible work placement (up to eight weeks per annum) with staff from sponsor companies participating as Mentors, supporting and guiding their Cadet to navigate the world of work.

This CSR-aligned social investment opportunity offers corporate partners a talented undergraduate as part of their team, skilled volunteering opportunities for existing staff and a chance to change the life of a high achieving young person from a disadvantaged background.

Doxa supports corporate partners by: providing a shortlist of talented applicants relevant to their sector; running professional development workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year; building a learning and development framework; providing mentoring and recruitment support, as well as on-boarding advice.

“We see key trends in areas of study each year and in 2019, our students are predominantly studying Business, Commerce, Health and Finance. They’re smart, tech-savvy, entrepreneurial Gen Z-ers. They want to change the world. Are you ready to be a part of their future? Then partner with us and join us on the journey,” said Clifford.

The Cadetship program is part of Doxa’s portfolio, a series of programs from grade 5 to university that dovetail together and support educational attainment while also offering practical skills and experience to assist in a young person’s journey towards meaningful employment.

To get involved or for more information on the Doxa Cadetship Program, please visit www.doxa.org.au.

About Doxa

Doxa is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation that provides programs for disadvantaged young people so that they can access positive life experiences, education opportunities and employment pathways. Doxa has been around since 1972 and their programs support over 8,000 young Victorians – typically aged eight to 24 years old – each year. Every young person they interact with has a different set of life circumstances.  Doxa’s aim is to ensure that all young people enjoy enriching experiences, educational opportunity and advancement.

For media enquiries on behalf of Doxa, please contact

Progressive PR & Communications
03 9696 6417
Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis
0411 089 209 / 0414 699 186
darren@progressivepr.com.au / jodie@progressivepr.com.au

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Doxa summer camp – providing disadvantaged young students from across Victoria a five day camp experience

Young disadvantaged students from around Victoria are getting what a lot of families and kids take for granted – a well-earned break these summer holidays.

Doxa’s award-winning Malmsbury Camp is a residential facility which offers positive life experiences to young people from challenging life circumstances through team-building and challenge-by-choice activities.

The young people attending the summer camp program will come from a variety of challenging backgrounds such as low socio-economic families, single parent families and refugee or migrant families.

The aim of the summer camp is to give these young people some fun, encourage social cohesion and confidence and teach them about the environment and sustainability.

There are two camps this January, 2019:

  • Malmsbury Summer Camp 1- 7th-11th Jan
  • Malmsbury Summer Camp 2 – 14th-18th Jan

Jess Case, Doxa Malmsbury Camp Manager, says: “The children have the time of their life, make new friends, challenge themselves, learn new skills and have fun.  It’s really heart-warming to see the impact that attending camp and experiencing the great outdoors can have on these young lives.”

The camp theme this summer is Aussie Adventures, with a focus on sustainability and awareness of our beautiful country.  Activities will include:

  • Australian Animal Display
  • Summer Solstice Fair
  • Enviro and Bush Camp activities
  • High ropes course
  • Swimming

The camps are run by qualified outdoor education instructors alongside returning and new volunteers and Junior Camp Assistants.

This year, some former Doxa program participants have returned as Junior Camp Assistants on Summer Camp, wanting to help others the same way they were helped themselves.

The cost of the camp is heavily subsidised and places are also offered for free via Doxa’s Campership Fund to students who can’t otherwise attend.

The Doxa Malmsbury Camp is accredited by the Australian Camps Association and Australian Tourism Accreditation Program and was the recipient of the Minister’s Award in the Government’s Community, Sport & Recreation Awards 2015.

The Malmsbury Camp is part of Doxa’s portfolio, a series of programs from grade 5 to university that dovetail together and support educational attainment while also offering practical skills and experience to assist in a young person’s journey towards meaningful employment.

To get involved or for more information on all Doxa’s programs, please visit www.doxa.org.au.

About Doxa

Doxa is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation that provides programs for disadvantaged young people so that they can access positive life experiences, education opportunities and employment pathways. Doxa has been around since 1972 and their programs support over 7,300 young Victorians – typically aged eight to 24 years old – each year. Every young person they interact with has a different set of life circumstances.  Doxa’s aim is to ensure that all young people enjoy enriching experiences and educational opportunity and advancement.

– ENDS –

For media enquiries on behalf of Doxa, please contact

Progressive PR & Communications
03 9696 6417
Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis
0411 089 209 / 0414 699 186
darren@progressivepr.com.au / jodie@progressivepr.com.au

[1]   Dropping off the Edge: Jesuit Social Services: 2015

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Doxa’s University Pathways Program – supporting young people to attend university and gain the skills for an employable and rewarding future

Getting into university can be tough.  What to study, where to study it, what is work going to be like once all the study is over? For a young adult in high school, the information on offer can be overwhelming.

Doxa’s University Pathways Program is a multi-year, multi-touchpoint program that provides students with first-hand experience of university life and a taste of the world of work.

The University Pathways Program is open to young people with challenging life circumstances who are in years 9 – 12 of high school and are interested in continuing their education at university.  It supports young people to attend university and gain the skills for an employable and rewarding future.

Participants in the program come from a variety of challenging backgrounds.  Everyone is different, but this could be financial difficulty, family trauma, being culturally and/or linguistically diverse, being from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or a refugee and/or migrant background.

There will be two University Pathways Program sessions in January, 2019:

  • Monday 14 – Wednesday 16, January 2019
  • Thursday 17 January – Saturday 19 January, 2019

Students in Year 12 from around Victoria including Geelong, Gippsland and across Melbourne will be taking part in both sessions.

Students will be developing their personal, professional and employment skills by visiting universities and corporate workplaces across Melbourne CBD including BT and ACU University.

They will also be meeting professionals from across the not-for-profit sector in a NFP round robin session.

Since its inception in 2015, more than 800 young people have participated in the Doxa University Pathways Program.

Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford, said, “At Doxa, we offer support for young people from challenging life circumstances and give them opportunities they may not otherwise have access to.  Our University Pathways Program gives students a chance to meet professionals, explore career options and build employability skills.”

“We offer invaluable networking opportunities, and develop students’ enterprise, employment and personal skills that will help them succeed in university and in the workplace.  In fact, we are delighted to report that 84% of the 2017 Year 12 students who graduated from our University Pathways Program were successfully enrolled in university courses in 2018.”

University Pathways Program graduate Charlotte says “Had it not been for the support and guidance I gained through the programs, I may not have had the courage and resources to pursue my passion for physiotherapy.

I definitely would’ve really struggled to adapt to uni life, especially as I am working two part-time jobs alongside my studies to ensure that I am able to support myself financially.”

The University Pathways Program is part of Doxa’s portfolio, a series of programs from grade 5 to university that dovetail together and support educational attainment while also offering practical skills and experience to assist in a young person’s journey towards meaningful employment.

About Doxa

Doxa is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation that provides programs for disadvantaged young people so that they can access positive life experiences, education opportunities and employment pathways. Doxa has been around since 1972 and their programs support over 7,300 young Victorians – typically aged eight to 24 years old – each year. Every young person they interact with has a different set of life circumstances.  Doxa’s aim is to ensure that all young people enjoy enriching experiences and educational opportunity and advancement.

– ENDS –

For media enquiries on behalf of Doxa, please contact

Progressive PR & Communications
03 9696 6417
Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis
0411 089 209 / 0414 699 186
darren@progressivepr.com.au / jodie@progressivepr.com.au

[1]   Dropping off the Edge: Jesuit Social Services: 2015

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A brighter future is the focus for Geelong students

Doxa supports youth of Geelong with launch of Future Focus program across secondary schools

The experiences of students and the progress of their learning are critical considerations when children move from primary to secondary school.

For Victorian not-for-profit youth organisation, Doxa, this is an important aspect of a young person’s life and will be made easier for the youth of Geelong when the Future Focus transitional program launches across a number of secondary schools in May.

Off the back of successful Future Focus campaigns in metro Melbourne schools, Doxa will launch the program across multiple Geelong schools this month.

According to data released in 2015, Geelong students live in some of the most disadvantaged Victorian suburbs when it comes to education, literacy and numeracy, unskilled work, long-term unemployment, and juvenile offending[1]

Responding to the shortage of early secondary school programs for vulnerable students in Geelong, Future Focus is a two-year program for students in year seven and eight that offers support in transitioning from primary to secondary school through personal, study, and leadership skills.

Adopted by Geelong High School, Northern Bay College, Bellarine Secondary College and Newcomb Secondary College students, the program will also provide knowledge and skills to cope with more sensitive issues such as bullying, peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, stress, and mental health issues.

“With school retention rates for regional Victorian students approximately 20% lower than their metropolitan counterparts and Geelong youth living in some of the most disadvantaged suburbs when it comes to education, we knew we needed to do more to help develop life skills and combat disadvantage here in Geelong,”  Said Steve Clifford, Doxa’s Chief Executive Officer

As part of the Future Focus program, students will also participate in a residential weekend at Doxa’s camp in Malmsbury and four half-day in-school leadership workshops, culminating in a certificate and awards night at the end of each year.

Since the organisation was established in 1972, Doxa has   supported thousands of disadvantaged youth throughout Victoria, ensuring all young people have access to positive life experiences, education opportunities and employment pathways.

“We want to support all young people in making positive decisions in their lives. Whether that’s staying in education or entering into a vocational pathway, the most important part is that these young people are engaged, connected and become decision makers for their future,” said Steve Clifford.

The Geelong Future Focus program is funded by Give Where You Live Geelong and the Perpetual Trust.

About Doxa

Doxa is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation that provides programs for disadvantaged young people so that they can access positive life experiences, education opportunities and employment pathways. Doxa has been around since 1972 and their programs support over 7,300 young Victorians – typically aged eight to 24 years old – each year. Every young person they interact with has a different set of life circumstances.  Doxa’s aim is to ensure that all young people enjoy enriching experiences and educational opportunity and advancement.

– ENDS –

For media enquiries on behalf of Doxa, please contact

Progressive PR & Communications
03 9696 6417
Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis
0411 089 209 / 0414 699 186
darren@progressivepr.com.au / jodie@progressivepr.com.au

[1]   Dropping off the Edge: Jesuit Social Services: 2015

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Doxa’s Cadetship Program offers diverse, driven talent for your business

Victorian not-for-profit, Doxa is seeking to partner with businesses across Victoria as part of their flagship employment pathways Cadetship Program.

Doxa has selected 12 business-minded young achievers from a diverse range of backgrounds for Cadetship. These individuals are motivated, talented, tenacious and have overcome enormous barriers in their pursuit to stay engaged in education. 44% are studying a STEM subject at university, 29% are studying Business, 13% Finance, 9% Law and 5% an Arts degree.

This CSR-aligned social investment opportunity offers Program Partners a talented undergraduate as part of their team; skilled volunteering opportunities for existing staff; and a chance to change the life of a high-achieving young Australian from a disadvantaged background.

Doxa supports Cadetship Program Partners by providing a shortlist of talented applicants relevant to their sector; building a learning and development framework; providing mentoring; and recruitment support as well as on-boarding advice.

Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford, said that: “We have a diverse range of Cadets all in great need. 51% live off a family income of below $30,000 per annum, 24% are refugees/newly arrived migrants, 18% come from rural/regional areas. These young people are experiencing significant disadvantage. They don’t have the social capital, financial support or professional networks that you and I had.”

“What they do have is the skills, growth mindset and incredible drive to succeed in business and in life. But they need your help in order to achieve this,” he said.

“We currently have 12 young people left to place this year by mid-April, and that’s why we are calling out for organisations with a focus on STEM, Business, Finance, Law and Arts to partner with us and join us on the journey.”

Since 1993, more than 400 young people have participated in the Doxa Cadetship Program. It is open to Year 12 students transitioning into university and is a three to five-year program, depending on the length of the degree the student is undertaking.

To get involved or for more information on the Doxa Cadetship Program, visit www.doxa.org.au.

Ends.

Media Contact: Belinda Rowse, Public Relations Officer, Doxa
Email: browse@doxa.org.au | Phone: 03 9046 8207

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Maryborough youth get opportunity to attend Doxa Holiday Camp in Malmsbury

It’s an exciting start to the year for a group of young people in Grades 4-6 from the Dunolly and Rheola area near Maryborough. This week a group of nine children from the area are getting a welcomed summer break and heading to Doxa’s residential Holiday Camp in the bush outside of Malmsbury.

The 5-day specialised program incorporates activities ranging from horsemanship and challenge by choice activities (high ropes and a climbing wall) to cooking sessions and even circus skills! In addition to this, there are also arts & crafts activities, gym games, river exploring, archery and bush walking.

Amongst all the fun and friendship-making activities, the students will get to experience the Australian bush, learn about the local environment and Indigenous history of the area.

Through participating in Doxa’s Holiday Camp program, these Maryborough children benefit from a range of enriching experiences. They also build self-esteem and confidence, improve their positive connections to peers and adults and get a well-deserved opportunity to have fun, laughter and joy.

Holiday Camp is an exciting opportunity for young people from challenging life circumstances from across Victoria to experience fun and learning activities in the Australian bush.

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Media contact: Belinda Rowse |browse@doxa.org.au | 03 9046 8207

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Lakes Entrance youth head to the city to attend Doxa Holiday Camp in Melbourne

It’s an exciting start to the year for a group of young people in Grades 4-6 from Lakes Entrance Primary School in East Gippsland. This week, a group of seven children from the school are getting a welcomed summer break and heading to the big smoke to attend Doxa’s residential Holiday Camp in Melbourne CBD.

The 5-day program incorporates activities ranging from kayaking on the Yarra River to participating in a cooking session with Masterchef-style judging and paddle boarding in St Kilda. The children also get a chance to test their confidence on the indoor rock climbing wall and learn new skills at RMIT’s SIN Radio station where they learn how to design and produce their own radio program.

Amongst all the fun and friendship-making activities, the Lakes Entrance Primary School students will get to experience the city, often for the first time. By catching a tram, visiting iconic Melbourne sites and going to restaurants they will benefit from learning about urban life and broadening their horizons.

Through participating in Doxa’s Holiday Camp program, these Lakes Entrance children benefit from a range of enriching experiences. They also build self-esteem and confidence, improve their positive connections to peers and adults and get a well-deserved opportunity to have fun, laughter and joy.

Holiday Camp is an exciting opportunity for young people from challenging life circumstances in rural and regional Victoria to experience fun and learning activities in Melbourne CBD.

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Media contact: Belinda Rowse |browse@doxa.org.au | 03 9046 8207

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Victorian high school graduates encouraged to maintain good finances, strive for commitment and adaptability

Good financial management, commitment and adaptability are important skills Victorian high school leavers must adopt to thrive in today’s world of work and life beyond secondary school, according to some of the state’s top career and financial coaches.

The end of secondary schooling is a major milestone for many young Victorians as they make the transition to adulthood and prepare to enter university, vocational studies or the workforce. Not-for-profit organisation, Doxa, provides programs for disadvantaged young Victorians to support them through their education.

“This period is often stressful for many young people and can become a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s particularly challenging for disadvantaged young Victorians who often struggle with finding and keeping meaningful work once they leave high school and enter the workforce,” said Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford.

To assist young Victorians navigate this challenging and exciting stage of their lives, Doxa has gathered tips and insights from top coaches including Finance Academy Australia, Heart Sparks and TRIPOD Enterprise Education. Each organisation provides self confidence, career, and financial management workshops across Doxa’s educational opportunity and employment pathways programs.

Keep your personal finances in check!

For many high school leavers, the transition to the workforce will become the first time that they will earn a salary. Chinmay Ananda, of Finance Academy Australia (AAA), assists disadvantaged youth to effectively handle personal finance throughout university as part of Doxa’s Cadetship Program.

“It’s important for young people to know how to handle finances once they start earning a wage. I always tell young people to always make more money than you spend. To know if you are making more money than you are spending, first you need to know how much you are spending. Remember, you shouldn’t make assumptions when it comes to finance; you should know the exact dollar amount,” he said.

Doxa Cadet and RMIT University Student, Kim Quinones, said as part of her professional development training at Doxa, she learnt about financial management and planning. “It’s been great to gain some new skills and guidance on how to deal with bills and manage your spending. Throughout my high school and university experience, financial planning is something we don’t get as part of our education, so it has been a big help for me,” she said.

Aim for commitment, not just motivation

Commitment is often viewed as a quality rather than a skill. Many young people believe they need more motivation, when in fact, first and foremost, they need to tap into a deeper commitment to what they really want.

“Being committed is a skill that can be chosen, increased and learned. It’s about continuing to show up when things feel hard and motivation is waning, especially in challenging instances where you are being turned down for jobs or further study,” said Johanna Parker, Life, Confidence and Speaker Coach, Speaker and MC at Heart Sparks.

Adapt your skills from one opportunity to the next

No matter what industry you land in, jobs and roles are ever changing. Young people need to not only embrace change, but be flexible in their dreams and aspirations.

“Sometimes to get from A to B, you might have to swing all the way past Z first. Those who embrace change and adapt their skill from one opportunity to the next will have a huge advantage in the future world of work. Whatever skills you learn in one opportunity or job will take you forward to the next, and use for the rest of your life. Understanding how these skills transfer is key to success,” said Betsy Tolmer, Director of TRIPOD Enterprise Education.

Former Doxa Cadet and now full-time Sales and Marketing Assistant at Melbourne-based agency Anecdote, Shelley Fenech, added that being able to communicate articulately is important in the workplace and this is something she’s developed during her time as a Doxa Cadet.

“Something they don’t teach you at university is that conveying your message in the most efficient and quickest way possible is highly valuable in a busy world. Having emotional intelligence is also crucial. The way you interact and work with others is super valuable. These relationships are what can foster your potential or hinder it,” said Ms Fenech.

Many of Doxa’s programs help disadvantaged youth gain the support, skills and confidence they need to be strong contenders in the workforce and active contributors to a university community. It is one of but a few Victorian organisations providing programs to support disadvantaged young people across key development and life cycle stages from primary school right through to university or post secondary school studies and employment. For more information on Doxa and its programs, visit www.doxa.org.au.

ENDS

 

Media contact: Jackie Smiles | jackie@flourishpr.com | 03 9092 8449

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Ball in the Mall gives students a chance to shine

Annual community-driven event creates positive impact for disadvantaged youth

Students from Doxa School Bendigo gathered at Hargreaves Mall on Friday, 27 October for the region’s second annual Ball in the Mall, aimed at making a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged youth by providing them with an experience they wouldn’t normally have.

Located in the heart of Bendigo’s central business district, Hargreaves Mall was transformed into a magical outdoor ballroom comprising a stage, live music, an MC, a dance floor, tables with impressive centre pieces and delicious catering for all guests. Doxa School Bendigo, a flexible learning educational facility, provides a variety of programs for students aged between 12 and 18 who face challenges with mainstream schooling. Principal, John Russell, said Ball in the Mall is all thanks to the local community who are fully committed to driving and supporting this annual initiative.

“Thanks to the local community, the inaugural Ball in the Mall held last year was such a success and this year was no different,” Mr Russell said. “Many students from Doxa School Bendigo would have limited opportunities to attend events where they can work on their social skills and feel part of a community. We work
closely with local individuals and businesses to create events such as Ball in the Mall to boost our students’ confidence both in school and in life,” Mr Russell said.

This year, there were eight debutante couples involved from aged 14 to 21. Each couple was primped and preened at the Bendigo TAFE’s Lotus Hair & Beauty salon, dressed care of Grant Rule Menswear with all debutante dresses donated, then professionally photographed and transported to the event in classic cars from Custom Addiction Classic Car club.

Ball In the Mall debutantes were presented to the honourable Mayor, Margaret O’Rourke, and received certificates commemorating the occasion along with a copy of their portrait and DVD.

One of the key drivers behind this initiative is Haylee Kennedy from headspace. “It’s hugely important to spend time with young people to rebuild connections and engagement that has been lost. Often it takes several attempts and a consistent approach to engage with the youth. Our group has been offering support in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the young person,” Ms Kennedy said. “By coming together as a community, we can make a positive difference to the lives of these youth through offering them an experience they wouldn’t have had otherwise. And in doing so, we’re creating an exciting event in the heart of our CBD.”

Ball in the Mall is an annual community-driven initiative thanks to the support of a handful of individuals, along with Doxa School Bendigo, The City of Greater Bendigo, DHHS, Anglicare, MarShere Dance Studio, Bendigo TAFE, YO Bendigo, Victoria Police, Golden City Support Services, BDAC and an impressive list of local businesses.

ENDS

Media contact: Jackie Smiles | jackie@flourishpr.com | 03 9092 8449

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Strong New Futures for disadvantaged young refugee students in central Victoria

Young newly arrived and refugee students will be given the opportunity to build a positive life for themselves in Australia thanks to Doxa Youth Foundation’s Strong New Futures program.

Launching this week (11th – 13th October), the Strong New Futures program aims to connect a group of newly arrived young people from Noble Park Secondary College to education, culture and country.

The first part of the program takes the young people out to Kooyoora State Park in central Victoria where they participate in a three-day outdoor expedition. This gives them the unique opportunity to build teamwork skills, communication skills and the chance to improve their conversational English outside the confines of a classroom.

The second part of the program is a follow up in-school workshop which will provide an insight and exploration into the skills and practical knowledge for further study and to support a transition to employment.

Young newly arrived and refugee students face considerable hardship and disruption to their education and are often several years behind peers. They also face higher rates of unemployment – only 33% find work versus 71% if Australian youth. Doxa Youth Foundation aims to address this disadvantage through the skills and opportunities available in their Strong New Futures program.

Strong New Futures is funded by Gandel Philanthropy and Perpetual.

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Media contact: Belinda Rowse |browse@doxa.org.au | 03 9046 8207

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