The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are expanding the Raising Expectations program to help young people in out-of-home care and those who are care leavers pursue post-secondary education.

Under the National Skills Agreement, the Albanese Government is investing $61.5 million in Victoria to improve vocational education and training (VET) engagement and completions, particularly for those who have traditionally experienced barriers to education.

Over $2 million of this investment will support the expansion of Victoria’s Raising Expectations program delivered by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.

The funding will expand the program to new institutions, with a focus on TAFEs, and continue supporting students with care experience to take up post-compulsory studies with existing partners.

The only program of its kind in the country, Raising Expectations helps young people with out-of-home care experience to succeed at TAFE and university.

Since 2020, almost 1,000 individuals have completed their TAFE or university studies with support from the program.

Participants get personalised wrap-around support services, enhanced resources, and new tools to succeed at TAFE and university.

The initiative aims to break the link between disadvantage and poor educational outcomes by helping learners at risk stay engaged in training and education.

Under the Improved Completions implementation plan agreed in March 2025 as part of the National Skills Agreement, Victoria will expand the program to more standalone TAFEs. This will improve access to VET for students across the state, including those in regional areas.