illuminate Challenge | Hume | August 2025

We’re excited to once again be bringing back the illuminate Challenge to the City of Hume, in partnership with Hume City Council and in association with the Hume Tech School, running from August 2 – 6 2025 and open to all high school students across the Hume City Council area.

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Introducing the illuminate Enterprise Challenge

At the heart of the illuminate Challenge is a bold mission: to empower young Australians to be confident, creative and capable – ready to lead change in their communities right now. Our programs brings together high school students in a dynamic, hands-on environment, guided by passionate facilitators and industry-leading experts.

Across five days, our focus in the program is to build capacity in innovation, collaboration, resilience, creative thinking and critical skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment. Across the challenge, high school students will:

Look at new ways to address challenges in our community, and change them for the better with a focus on impact,
Be exposed to a range of business skills to help create sustained impact and growth,
Introduced to innovation approaches, problem solving skills and measuring impact,
Learn from industry experts & academics, bringing real-world knowledge into the mix,
Apply their skills & capacity in new ways that are aligned to the Victorian Curriculum,
And do it all in a team based, problem solving focused innovation environment.

By the end of the challenge, teams will present novel solutions to current challenges they have identified, with financial forecasts, business strategies, marketing materials, prototypes and a pitch for investment – with all of the skills developed and introduced across the challenge even if students have never been part of a design process, business program or community impact immersion previously can thrive.

With over +25,000 young Australians from +300 different schools impacted and inspired by our programs, we cannot wait to see what students in the City of Hume come up with in our 2025 program!

Who Should Do The Challenge?

This Challenge is designed for a wide range of students. To help you consider which students to get involved, we recommend you consider the following cohorts;

Students who have shown strong interest in community action, local leadership and activism, and driving community impact,
Students interested in business and entrepreneurship or regularly display the skills of initiative and leadership,
Students who are disengaging for learning and seeking authentic ways to apply and build knowledge in a real-world environment,
Students considering if further study is an option for them, especially those who can attend in person,
Students that are excelling, as the challenge’s self-directed approach allows them to apply these skills in the flexible environment.

And if you aren’t sure, please just use our expression of interest form to ask any questions that you have, and we’ll help you out!

The Important Details

When:	Monday August 2 to Friday August 8, 2025
Where:	Monday, Tuesday & Friday at Broadmeadows Town Hall, from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm Wednesday & Thursday are completed remotely (from your school) Awards Ceremony on Friday evening from 5:00 pm
Who:	Open to all Year 7 – 12 students across the Hume City Council region in Victoria
Cost:	Thanks to the Hume City Council and Hume Tech School, there is no cost to be part of this challenge.

Click Here to Register Your Interest

Upcoming Teacher Q&A Session

The live calls have already occurred.

As we’re here to partner with schools and help you step into this engaging education program with confidence, join us for a Teacher Q&A session to discover how this dynamic program empowers Year 8–12 students to become innovative thinkers and resilient leaders.

Learn how students tackle real-world community challenges, build business and problem-solving skills, and pitch impactful solutions with financial plans, marketing strategies, and prototypes.

Explore the logistics of how this program is delivered and what we can take care of on our end, and connect with some of our passionate facilitators and even a few industry experts.

This session equips teachers with everything needed to join our upcoming challenge, to answer all of the questions that you have and to get as excited as we are for this program!

What Others Say…

FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

“So glad to see illuminate Education Australia in action in the City of Wyndham, helping students understand the skills they possess and which will be invaluable to their future careers. Such a well delivered program, bringing together representatives from across industries to provide real-world advice and guidance to young learners. Already looking forward to being involved again in the future.”

John King, Head of Education and Careers, The Huddle Wyndham

“A student knocked on my door the day after the illuminate Challenge and explained how it was the best week of her school life and can she do it again!”

Stacey Exner, Executive Principal, Dubbo College, NSW

“Even our staff who participate have said that the illuminate Challenge has literally been one of their career highlights.”

Alex Kho, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University

“The illuminate challenge was, as described by one of our students at our school's end of year awards ceremony, a life changing experience for our Year 10 students... The week created such a positive vibe amongst those doing the challenge and indeed, throughout the entire school, and students from all years seemed to be taking an active interest... I really do believe that this challenge, and the skills that were developed by students, will have a lasting impact on them.”

Dale Massie, HSIE Teacher, Terrigal High School, NSW

"Technical capabilities are the necessary, but not sufficient attributes for people hired into my organisation. The best candidates complement their technical capability with emotional intelligence along with the skills taught by illuminate Education. Creativity, a willingness to collaborate, natural curiosity and the ability to contribute to effective teamwork are key characteristics of tomorrow's high performing leaders"

Mike Faulkner, Managing Director (AU & NZ), Verizon Enterprise Solutions

“There is no finer task than to encourage and support our youth in their journey of learning. Having experienced first-hand the illuminate Education experience myself in a supporting role at Charles Sturt University, I was inspired by the energy that the young participants had in the skills of problem solving, vision creation and entrepreneurial strategies. Programs such as illuminate no doubt are an excellent tool as part of the preparation for life after school. I would encourage students and teachers to explore the opportunities that the illuminate Education program offers.”

Peta Pinson, Mayor, Port Macquarie Hasting Council

“In this rapidly changing world with the rise of emerging economies and onset of digital disruption, programs like the illuminate Challenge are absolutely critical to regional communities. Rather than seeing change as a threat, illuminate Education opens the eyes of our young people to the opportunities that change presents.”

Tim Watson, General Manager, Dorset Council

“The illuminate Challenge pushes students to extend themselves in a positive, supportive setting. It helps student to develop the real-world skills necessary for any workplace, and exposes them to study and career options. The program helps students to unlock their full potential and discover their future.”

Brendan Taig, Careers Practitioner, Suzanne Cory High School, Werribee, Victoria

“The Illuminate program was astonishing. I truly didn’t expect the quality of ideas and presentations that the students delivered. It was clear to me that Illuminate are building capability, and improving the confidence and career prospects of these students.”

Ellen Piper, People, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation

"It was fantastic to see their ideas come to life on posters, prototypes, and in persuasive presentations that showcased their creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset. This experience not only built STEM capabilities but also empowered students with transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills they will carry into their future learning and pathways..."

Dr Lucy Cassar, STAV Vice President & Head of Teaching & Learning, St Francis Catholic College Melton

FROM THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES

“It is challenging in a good way…”

Lara, Year 6, ACT

“The most fun and educational experience that I have ever had… I learnt so many important skills that I will use.”

Max, Year 10, ACT

“The program is a good idea, it helps kids change where they’re living for the better.”

Katie, Year 6, Tas.

“A fun, entrepreneurial program teaching real world skills.”

Kaila, Year 10, SA

“It’s perfect for learning to work in a team! And at the end, you are really proud of yourself!”

Tom, Year 10, NSW

“I would say it’s a unique experience that makes you think beyond a level you have before.”

Amyra, Year 8, Vic.

“Ultimately, it is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Gianna, Year 10, Vic.

“It’s fantastic and really interesting.”

Sharafadiin, Adult Student, Vic.

“A great experience many young people should go through.”

Charlotte, Year 9, NSW

“It’s hard but worth doing, and you learn a lot of skills.”

Isabella, Year 8, WA

“It is a chance to discover our personal skills and discover what skills we will need for the future and think like adults.”

Senaya, Year 8, Vic.

“Giving younger people a voice.”

Elka, Year 6, Tas.

“It’s an excellent experience… Many valuable lessons & transferable skills such as teamwork & communication.”

Simran, Year 9, SA

“Teaches young students the knowledge they need in pressure situations & how to solve problems sustainably.”

Ruby, Year 8, WA

“Stressful, but really fun and would definitely recommend.”

Aaron, Year 10, NSW

“It was very educational and helps to broaden your horizons even if you don’t want to pursue business.”

Amara, Year 10, NSW

“It is a program that brings the youth together to design solutions for real world issues.”

Gemma, Year 10, NSW

“A program that challenges students to think innovatively, collaborate and work hard.”

Amara, Year 10, NSWAlice, Year 10, NSW