Young Parents Program at Chisholm’s Frankston campus supports ongoing education

A specialised program tailored to the needs of young parents who have not finished high school is supporting them to finish their education and move forward with their lives.

Offered by the Chisholm Institute, the Young Parents Program (YPP) runs three times a week at Chisholm’s Frankston campus. Program participants can bring their children to class and have access to support staff.

Attendee Elise used the program to help her finish her secondary education after falling pregnant in Year 12, and thanks the support provided by the program for helping her complete her schooling, sharing her story with local publication The Frankston Times. 

“As a young mum, you feel very alone and it’s hard to relate to your peers,” she said. 

“I just don’t think I could have completed Year 12 if I stayed at my old high school – there is so much extra support that’s needed when you’re trying to finish school with a baby,” she said.

Early childhood educators and support workers assist those in the program to move through their education, offering practical and emotional guidance. 

“I couldn’t have done any of this without them and the amazing teachers who genuinely care about their students. It really took the burden off my family as well,” Elise added. 

Having completed Year 12 through the program, she is now studying for a Certificate III in pathology collection.

Participants in the program have the opportunity to complete their VCE VM qualification at either an intermediate, Year 11, or senior, Year 12, level, also being supported with community connections and resources. 

The YPP is co-funded by Anglicare Victoria’s Communities for Children and Chisholm. Program participants must be aged between 15 and 25 years of age and have a child up to four years of age, with pregnant young people also eligible to participate. The program funds two years of attendance for students.

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