Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The Future Ready Program is inviting applications to support Victorian secondary school students in developing practical skills, confidence, wellbeing, and pathways into further education, training, volunteering, and employment. The initiative is funded by the Victorian Government and focuses on helping young people reach their full potential through community engagement, personal development, and youth participation opportunities.
The programme supports projects that strengthen student confidence, improve social and emotional wellbeing, encourage youth voice in decision-making, and build stronger connections between young people, schools, and communities. Funding is available for two-year projects running across 2027 and 2028, with grants of up to $168,000 available for eligible school partnerships and not-for-profit organisations.
What is the Future Ready Program?
The Future Ready Program is a Victorian Government initiative designed to help secondary school students build essential life skills and prepare for future education, training, and employment opportunities.
The programme supports activities that help young people:
- Develop confidence
- Strengthen personal identity
- Improve wellbeing
- Build career readiness
- Participate in community life
- Explore future pathways
- Develop leadership and decision-making skills
The initiative aims to create stronger educational and social outcomes for young people across Victoria.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The programme focuses on supporting young people through practical development opportunities and inclusive participation.
Core Objectives Include:
- Improving student skills and confidence
- Supporting education participation
- Expanding career and employment pathways
- Strengthening youth engagement
- Promoting volunteering opportunities
- Enhancing social and emotional wellbeing
- Encouraging youth leadership and voice
- Building stronger community connections
Key Priority Areas
Applications are prioritised based on alignment with three major focus areas.
Priority 1: Education, Training and Employment Pathways
This priority focuses on helping young people achieve their future goals through:
- Education participation
- Skills development
- Volunteering opportunities
- Career exploration
- Employment readiness
- Training pathways
- Transition support into further study or work
Projects should help students progress toward meaningful employment or continued education.
Priority 2: Youth Voice and Decision-Making
This area supports initiatives that ensure young people are:
- Respected
- Heard
- Included in decision-making processes
Projects may provide opportunities for students to:
- Share lived experiences
- Contribute ideas
- Influence school or community outcomes
- Participate in leadership activities
The programme encourages meaningful youth participation rather than symbolic consultation.
Priority 3: Confidence, Identity and Wellbeing
This priority supports activities that strengthen:
- Student confidence
- Sense of identity
- Social connections
- Emotional wellbeing
- Positive relationships
- Community belonging
Projects may focus on creating supportive environments that improve student resilience and engagement.
Why the Future Ready Program Matters
Supports Student Success Beyond School
The programme helps students prepare for future education, careers, and life opportunities.
Encourages Youth Participation
Young people gain opportunities to actively contribute to decisions affecting their communities and futures.
Improves Wellbeing and Confidence
The initiative promotes stronger emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and personal development among students.
Strengthens School and Community Connections
Projects encourage collaboration between schools, communities, and support organisations.
Builds Career and Life Skills
Students gain practical skills and experiences that support long-term personal and professional growth.
Funding Available
The programme provides funding for projects delivered over a:
- Two-year period covering 2027 and 2028
Funding for Single School or One Partner School Projects
Available funding ranges from:
- Minimum: $24,000
- Maximum: $56,000
over two years.
Funding for Two Partner Schools
Projects involving two partner schools may receive:
- Minimum: $24,000
- Maximum: $112,000
over two years.
Funding for Three or More Schools
Projects delivered across three or more schools may receive:
- Minimum: $24,000
- Maximum: $168,000
over two years.
Maximum Grant Cap
The overall maximum grant available is:
- $168,000
for the full programme period.
Who is Eligible?
The programme supports applications from schools and eligible organisations working with schools.
Eligible Applicants Include:
- Victorian government secondary schools
- Not-for-profit organisations
Partnership Requirement
Eligible organisations must work:
- In partnership with Victorian government secondary schools
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must:
- Have no overdue reports from previous or current Department of Families, Fairness and Housing grants
- Include all mandatory application attachments
Types of Activities That May Be Supported
Projects may include activities related to:
- Leadership development
- Career readiness programmes
- Mentoring
- Youth participation initiatives
- Community engagement projects
- Volunteering opportunities
- Wellbeing activities
- Confidence-building workshops
- Skills development programmes
- Identity and belonging initiatives
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve outcomes such as:
- Increased student engagement
- Improved confidence and wellbeing
- Better education participation
- Stronger career readiness
- Enhanced leadership skills
- Increased community participation
- Greater youth inclusion in decision-making
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Programme Guidelines
Carefully assess the eligibility criteria, funding structure, and priority areas.
Step 2: Identify Student Needs
Develop a project addressing issues such as:
- Confidence-building
- Career development
- Wellbeing support
- Youth participation
- Education engagement
Step 3: Build Partnerships
Schools and organisations should establish collaborative partnerships that support project delivery and student engagement.
Step 4: Design a Two-Year Project Plan
Prepare a detailed proposal including:
- Objectives
- Activities
- Timeline
- Student outcomes
- Budget
- Evaluation methods
Step 5: Gather Required Documentation
Ensure all mandatory attachments and organisational information are included.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete the official application process before the programme deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Align clearly with one or more priority areas
- Demonstrate measurable student outcomes
- Include strong youth participation approaches
- Show meaningful community partnerships
- Focus on long-term student impact
- Present realistic budgets and timelines
- Demonstrate inclusive and student-centred delivery methods
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with programme priorities
- Limited student engagement strategies
- Incomplete partnership details
- Missing mandatory attachments
- Unrealistic project scope
- Poor outcome measurement planning
- Lack of youth voice integration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Future Ready Program?
It is a Victorian Government initiative supporting secondary school students through skills development, wellbeing, leadership, and career pathway programmes.
Who can apply?
Victorian government secondary schools and eligible not-for-profit organisations working in partnership with schools may apply.
What is the project duration?
All funded projects must run across a two-year period covering 2027 and 2028.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
The maximum funding available is $168,000 over two years.
What are the programme priorities?
The programme focuses on education and employment pathways, youth voice and decision-making, and confidence and wellbeing development.
Can multiple schools apply together?
Yes. Funding levels increase for projects involving partnerships across multiple schools.
Are not-for-profit organisations eligible?
Yes. Not-for-profit groups may apply in partnership with Victorian government secondary schools.
Final Thoughts
The Future Ready Program 2027–2028 provides important funding support for initiatives helping Victorian secondary school students build confidence, improve wellbeing, strengthen community connections, and prepare for future education and employment opportunities.
By supporting youth participation, personal development, and career readiness, the programme aims to empower young people to actively shape their futures while strengthening inclusive educational and community environments across Victoria.
For more information, visit Government of Victoria.