ILLUMINATE EDUCATION AUSTRALIA EDUCATION EXPERIENCES

illuminateX | DIY Innovation Experience

illuminateX is a flexible, term-long innovation experience designed to bring the power of the illuminate Challenge directly into classrooms and homes.

Tailored for Primary (Years 5 – 6), Secondary (Years 7 – 12), and Tertiary students, illuminateX guides learners through a six-stage innovation process – from identifying real-world problems to designing, prototyping, and pitching sustainable solutions.

Delivered by educators with full support from the illuminate team, students gain access to rich resources, expert mentorship, and inspiring guest speakers. The program is mapped to the Australian Curriculum and includes activity cards, content videos, and professional development for teachers, making it easy to implement and impactful for all.

Whether solving community challenges or exploring entrepreneurial ideas, illuminateX builds creativity, collaboration, and confidence in every student. It’s more than a classroom activity – it’s a launchpad for future-ready thinkers and changemakers.

Ready to transform your learning environment? illuminateX brings innovation to life, one idea at a time.

Features of illuminateX

While illuminateX is a self-paced, educator-led program in the classroom or home-school environment, the illuminate Education Australia team are here to support your students and the learning community in the school to leverage our experience and knowledge for your context.

Core Resources of illuminateX

Across the different versions of illuminateX, illuminate Education Australia provides the following resources, content and information, including;

  • illuminateX Educator PD Workshop, which introduces the program, the materials on offer, innovation stages and prepares educators to implement the challenge in their classrooms.
  • Activity Cards, which provide resources for educators to guide their students through the learning process including activities, toolkits and optional bonus tasks to overcome hurdles that teams can face along the way.
  • Printable Resources, which not only includes resources that students can use throughout the program, but also resources that can be displayed in class to reinforce key information and track student progress.
  • Learn, which is our online learning portal behind everything we do at illuminate Education Australia. This resource allows students to digitally access templates and learning materials, submit work that educators can see as well as the team of illuminate Education Australia, and help students extend themselves through accessing the additional resources.
What Else Does illuminate Education Australia Provide?

Outside of these materials to support the learning environment, illuminate Education Australia provides;

  • Opportunities for educators to debrief and connect with our team to check in on student progress, share about challenges and have our team support your learning environment.
  • Feedback opportunities for all student work, as our team will look over work uploaded to the Learn online learning portal and provide feedback that teams can access and implement. This access is shared with teachers to review the student work, assess it internally and provide similar feedback and support.
  • Mentoring of Students, by meeting with teams twice through the illuminateX program, to help refine initial ideas and challenges that groups want to address, and later in the program to help underpin the strategies they are taking forward with industry insights and experience.
  • Industry Based Judging, where the student work is reviewed by our team alongside industry collaborators, bringing their industry and workplace experience to look over the student work presented. This brings a different perspective to the process, and could be used to announce judged winners of ideas as part of a school assembly or celebration event.

What Do You Need to do to Prepare?

With all of the above laid out, our focus is on making the experience in school one that you enjoy delivering and get a chance to work alongside your students in a new way. To help make this a great learning opportunity, schools need to;

  • Register early with the program type, so that we can make sure you have the physical resources available for the first lesson, as well as going through the Educator PD Workshop. We have a range of program types based on the time available over the page, based on the time available.
  • Prepare when to run it in the school year, as we’ll make sure there is access open for your students and educators at this time.
  • Then deliver illuminateX, remembering throughout that our team is here to support you in making it an fantastic learning opportunity that your educators can lead in the learning environment.

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

The illuminate Innovation Process

In all illuminate Education Australia experiences, we have mapped out a structure underneath the innovative process students step through as shown below.

Across the illuminateX experience, as it is self-paced, the sessions are mapped out in alignment to each of these stages, providing enough time to complete the activities contained within each alongside the opportunity to go as deep as possible in the idea process to create meaningful ideas and lasting educational impact.

Stage 1) Foundations.

Teams begin by forming strong collaboration habits and exploring issues that matter to them. They identify challenges in their school, community, or world, building empathy and awareness. This stage sets the tone for teamwork, purpose, and engagement, helping students connect personally to the problems they’ll work to solve.

Stage 2) Ideation.

Students brainstorm creative, impactful solutions to the challenges they’ve identified. Using design thinking, they explore possibilities and prioritise ideas that balance innovation, empathy, and sustainability. This stage encourages bold thinking and helps teams focus on ideas that matter and can make a real difference.

Stage 3) Developing.

Teams shape their chosen idea into a viable concept. They build financial forecasts, marketing strategies, and operational plans. This stage introduces practical enterprise skills and helps students understand how to turn a creative idea into something that can work in the real world.

Stage 4) Presenting.

Students shift focus to communicating their ideas clearly and persuasively. They develop pitches, presentations, and visual materials to engage stakeholders and seek support. This stage builds confidence in public speaking and storytelling, helping students share their vision with impact.

Stage 5) Testing.

Teams test and refine their ideas through prototyping and feedback. They explore how their solution performs, identify challenges, and adapt based on user input. This stage builds resilience and problem-solving skills, helping students strengthen their ideas through real-world testing.

Stage 6) Implementation.

Implementation happens after the illuminate Challenge ends, when students take their ideas into the real world. Whether launching a school initiative, community project, or continuing development, this stage is about turning concepts into action. While it’s beyond the formal program, illuminate Education Australia offers ongoing support to all teams—helping them refine next steps, connect with partners, and keep momentum going. It’s where ideas grow into lasting impact, with guidance still available.

Capacities to Drive Change

At illuminate Education Australia, we believe young people must be equipped with essential, transferable skills to lead change now—not just in the future. Our skill framework was developed through extensive consultation with industry partners and educational research to ensure relevance and impact. It underpins every program we deliver, helping students become confident, creative, and capable. These skills are embedded in real-world challenges, allowing students to apply them immediately and build lifelong capacity. Whether in entrepreneurship, community engagement, or innovation, this framework ensures students grow in ways that matter—personally, academically, and professionally.

Communication

  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Presentation Skills

Understanding

  • Critical Thinking
  • Inquiry (Research)
  • Financial Literacy
  • Digital Literacy

Solving Problems

  • Creativity
  • Design Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Reflection

Working Smart

  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Organisation
  • Perseverance

What Drives Us

Beneath our vision, purpose and skills we focus upon, illuminate Education Australia has six core passions that drive everything we do and helps set apart our approach.

Leaders for Now.

We do not prepare for the future – we need our young people to lead change right now! Everything we do is for now and to create impact right away, for the idea created in the experience or for the next impact idea.

Young People to Community Shift.

Our focus is to support young people to be confident, creative and capable, who agitate and drive change across families, communities and the generations.

Education is a Contact Sport.

Young people need to be stretched and tested in real world environments now, to push themselves, to develop their capacity and reflect on how they perform for future change.

Reaching All Communities.

We prioritise (and support with our own funds as a social enterprise) opportunities to reach regional, remote and disadvantaged communities, ensuring they do not miss out developing these core skills.

Educationally Relevant.

Although we deliver our programs with an authentic real world focus, we ensure everything we do is educationally relevant and aligned, underpinned with engaging pedagogy that allows students to learn authentically.

Results Driven.

We know that we measure what matters, and for us it is not about the quantity of the students, but the quality of the impact. We are focused on delivering results for all involved, and closely track data to measure the impact of our programs as well as the benefits for all stakeholders involved.