Indigenous students studying at boarding schools will have support to finish their schooling and boost their success, with the Albanese Labor Government extending the Indigenous Boarding Providers Grants Program until the end of 2026.
Boarding plays an important role for many Indigenous students from rural and remote communities.
A $43.2 million investment will support approximately 2,500 students attending more than 40 boarding schools and stand-alone boarding facilities and deliver wrap-around supports to boost students' success at school.
This investment is one of the ways the Albanese Government is helping to close the gap in education outcomes.
Secondary schools and boarding providers that mainly support First Nations students from remote and very remote areas may be eligible to receive funding under the program.
This new investment comes as the Indigenous Boarding Design Review, which is identifying ways to improve the sector, is being finalised. The program will provide certainty to providers while the Government considers and responds to the Review.
The investment also follows the Albanese Government's Central Australia Boarding Response Fund last week offering $18 million to three Alice Springs schools to upgrade or build facilities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
"This investment in boarding facilities across Australia is about supporting Indigenous school students in remote communities.
"It will mean supporting more students to finish school and deliver certainty for providers.
"This builds on the $18 million in funding for three boarding schools in Central Australia and is another way the Government is building a better and fairer education system."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy:
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting First Nations students to achieve their full learning potential.
"For many First Nations students from remote and very remote areas, boarding school is their only option to engage in education.
"This investment will provide critical support for First Nations boarding students while the government considers the outcomes of the Indigenous Boarding Design Review."
