Our Impact | Measuring What Matters

We’re proudly an impact driven organisation – from being a People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise reinvesting surplus funds to reach more regional and remote communities, to not just counting the number of students we see but importantly the impact we have on them.

Student Growth in Confidence

At illuminate Education Australia, our priority is the growth and development of every student – not just the number of participants in each program. That’s why we continue to deliver our experiences in person across Australia, allowing our skilled facilitators to work directly with young people in their own communities. This approach ensures every student – regardless of background or location – is inspired to be confident, creative, and capable.

To understand and measure this impact, we evaluate students’ confidence and interest across a range of areas aligned to our skill framework. This framework, shaped by educational research, industry consultation, and curriculum alignment, focuses on transferable skills that empower students to lead change. We track growth in “strong confidence” (students rating themselves 9 or 10 on a ten-point scale) across key domains. This confidence is a powerful indicator of readiness – not just to learn, but to apply these skills in future challenges, workplaces, and community settings.

+129.8%

Confidence to
Communicate (Written)

+126.5%

Confidence to
Make an Impact

+113.5%

Confidence to
Communicate (Spoken)

+104.5%

Confidence in
Dealing with Stress

+104.4%

Confidence to
Present Ideas

+94.9%

Confidence to
Lead Change

+88.9%

Confidence with
Financial Information

+88.3%

Confidence in
Persevering

+78.6%

Confidence to
Think Critically

+77.1%

Confidence to
Reflect

+76.5%

Interest to
Start Your Own ‘Thing’

+74.2%

Confidence in
Problem Solving

Aligned for Impact

At illuminate Education Australia, our programs are intentionally designed to integrate with the priorities that matter most in education today. From curriculum alignment to skill development, we ensure every experience supports student growth in meaningful, measurable ways. Our work complements national education goals – such as those outlined in the Mparntwe (Alice Springs) Education Declaration – while remaining deeply practical and locally relevant. By embedding design thinking, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving into our programs, we help schools and communities deliver learning that is future-focused, inclusive, and impactful.

very challenge we deliver is built to support educators, engage students, and create lasting change.

United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals

illuminate Education Australia is committed to our work helping the global community achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially SDG 4: Quality Education, but recognise our programs and core skills contribute to SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth and SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure as well as SDGs addressed through specific challenges.

People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise

Our entire purpose at illuminate Education Australia is to empower young people with the skills and capacities to shape the world around them now, and this is recognised through the way we operate as a social enterprise. We have always offered our programs at close to cost price to help expand our reach, and any profits are used to reinvest back into covering travel costs to reach remote Australian communities, to do what we can to help that no young person goes without these skills.

To date, we have allocated over $50,000 to this impact, being through delivering programs and experiences at no charge to regional communities alongside covering flight costs to remote locations.

World Economic Forum’s Fourth Industrial Revolution

Our world is rapidly changing and illuminate Education Australia has aligned our core skills to Australian and international frameworks, especially paying attention to the work of the World Economic Forum around the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With active engagement with the initiatives through the Global Shapers Community, we are collaborating our work locally in helping build the case for skills-based education on an international platform.

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