In 2012, 59 School-based Sports Academies support some 5,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students, including students who are at risk of not completing their schooling from remote locations.

The aim of the academies is to encourage positive educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (boys and girls) using sport and recreation. Key indicators of success will include:

• an increase in school attendance,
• students' strengthened engagement with school and improved attitudes to schooling,
• improved achievement in student learning,
• increased retention to Year 12 or its vocational equivalent, and
• greater parental and community involvement with the schools and students' schooling.

The development of sporting skills and participation in sport are subsidiary outcomes.

Academy providers develop and implement their educational programs in partnership with participating schools.

In general, the Australian Government funds around one-third of the annual operating costs of the academies. Providers must source the balance of funding for the operation of their academies. This funding is generally obtained from sponsor organisations such as state and territory governments, schools, education authorities, sporting bodies, business and community and other organisations.

In 2012 academies operate in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory. The scope of the educational programs and strategies offered by the academies is broad. For example, academies are delivering: personal development, career planning, vocational qualifications, traineeships, mentoring, leadership and motivational workshops, diet and nutrition programs, sports science courses, sports coaching and training, first aid certificates, umpiring and club management programs.

Administration

The program guidelines provide further information. Please refer to page 180 to 191 of the Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Act 2000 Program Guidelines 2009 to 2012.

• Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Act 2000 Program Guidelines 2009 to 2012
  ( PDF 1.5MB | RTF 1.95MB)

Note: Funding is fully committed to December 2012.