Stories of Success

Explore how illuminate Education Australia is transforming communities and classrooms across the country. Our case studies showcase the real-world impact of our programs – from regional schools to urban centres – where students become confident, creative and capable changemakers.

Through immersive challenges, young people tackle local issues, build entrepreneurial skills, and connect learning to life. Teachers witness increased engagement, collaboration, and leadership in their students, while communities benefit from fresh ideas and empowered youth.

These stories highlight the legacy of our work: authentic learning, measurable growth, and a future shaped by the next generation of innovators.

Flinders Island, Tas.

Aligned to the 2023 Furneaux Futures Forum, Year 5 & 6 students developed ideas to shape and transform their community that inspired adult leaders across the whole island.

“The illuminate Challenge has instilled a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to thinking critically and creatively.” – Grade 5/6s, Flinders Island District High School

Read our Flinders Island Case Study

Mandurah, WA

Since our first program in 2017 at Mandurah Baptist College, we have been part of a cultural change in the school that encourages deeper immersion in learning across all curriculum areas.

“An opportunity for students to explore the fundamentals building a business and creating an idea.” – Maddison, Mandurah Baptist College

Read Our Mandurah Case Study

Moree Plains, NSW

Delivered in partnership with the University of New England’s Smart Region Incubator in 2022, primary students reshaped community values – and actioned real change!

“The students came up with an idea and developed it into a business because the illuminate team listened and supported them and their school community got behind them.“ – Jackie Todd, Gravesend Public School.

Read Our Moree Plains Case Study

Central Coast, NSW

A collaboration with the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Campus that started in 2015 that has now inspired over 2,000 students from high schools across the areas.

“The illuminate Challenge was an awesome experience for our students… Students were empowered by the experience and felt great pride in their success.” – Benjamin Joyce, Erina High School, NSW

Read our Central Coast Case Study

Hume City Council, Vic.

Through our collaboration with the Hume City Council, we empowering young minds from all high schools in the region to tackle real-world challenges alongside the economic development department.

“The program helps students to unlock their full potential and discover their future.” – Brendan Taig, Careers Practitioner, Suzanne Cory High School, Victoria

Read Our Hume Case Study

Some of Current Schools & Community Partners

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