Blog

The Stars Foundation team of Mentors has returned to schools across Australia with renewed energy and purpose, met by the enthusiasm and determination of First Nations girls and young women. 

2026 is off to a powerful start, with 4,300+ First Nations girls and young women enrolled in the Stars program across 80 partner schools nationwide. Programs are now operating in every mainland state and the Northern Territory — including 33 in Western Australia, 21 in the Northern Territory, 8 in New South Wales, 7 in South Australia, 6 in Queensland and 5 in Victoria. 

This year Stars proudly employs around 250 staff, of which 70% are Indigenous and 92% are working in program-facing roles, and are guided by an Indigenous led Board.

Stars’ Impact in 2025

The purpose of Stars Foundation is to improve education, health and employment outcomes for First Nations girls and young women. It’s vital that Stars can measure its impact to ensure the program is sustainable for thousands of students and is accountable to its government, business and philanthropic partners. 

Stars Foundation measures progress against key indicators aligned to Commonwealth Government Close the Gap targets: improved school attendance, Year 12 completion, and successful transition into sustainable employment or further study. 

The following results demonstrate impact achieved in 2025 and the continued growth of Stars Foundation in supporting First Nations girls and young women to realise their full potential.

Year 12 Results for 2025

• 326 Stars students proudly completed Year 12.
• 90% of 2025 Yr 12 senior Stars students successfully completed their final year, compared with the national Indigenous average of 68%.

General Results for 2025

• 4,026 Stars student enrolments in 2025.
• The average school attendance for Stars Students in 2025 was 78%, which is 11% higher than our partner schools ‘All-Indigenous’ attendance rate (67%) and equal to our partner schools’ ’All-student’ average attendance of 78%.

Current Alumnae Results

• 1,300 Stars Alumnae since 2015. 
• Supported 470 Year 12 Graduates with work or study pathways (268 Graduates of 2024 and 202 Graduates of 2023). 
• 78% successful Graduate transitions to work or further study (2024 Graduates as at Nov 2025).

Stars’ Growth in 2025 

Stars Foundation opened 13 new programs in 2025 – 6 in Western Australia, 4 in New South Wales, 1 in South Australia, and 1 in Victoria.

From all reports, the young women in the program are already showing wonderful progress since recently enrolling in the Stars program, so watch this space!

Feedback from 2025 

Each semester, Stars Foundation delivers comprehensive impact reports to funding partners, andwhile the data shows Stars is making a positive difference in closing the education gap and championing gender equity for First Nations young women, the voice of the First Nations students, families and education experts speaks volumes.

The following snapshot of stakeholder reflections across Australia offers a glimpse into the thousands of powerful statements that continue to affirm the strength, reach and lasting impact of the Stars program.

“Stars make me feel included and makes me feel like I’m worth something.” 

Year 7 student, Western Cape College, QLD

“Stars are an amazing, warm, and safe space for me and many others. They are always ready to help with open arms. With unspeakable love and unwavering respect, they welcome everyone in. Stars have transformed school into a place I want to be and a place where I feel seen, supported, and truly at home.” 

Year 10 student, Tamworth High School, NSW

“The Stars Mentors have always been there for me—supporting me through school, encouraging me to believe in myself, and helping me stay focused on my goals. I would not be where I am today without them. Stars is more than a program—it is a family.” 

Year 12 Stars student Karratha Senior High School, WA

“Stars is an amazing program, one that changes lives, creates pathways, and gives our girls the foundations they need to succeed. I truly believe programs like this deserve continued funding, recognition, and advocacy, because without them many of our young women would face far greater barriers in completing their education. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you have done for Makayla and for all the girls. Your work matters, and it is deeply appreciated.” 

Year 12 Parent, Taminmin College, NT

“Stars is a highly valuable and appreciated program for Paralowie Aboriginal girls. The girls love the connections with the staff and all the amazing activities that are offered, and we see improvements in their attendance, connection to culture and behaviours.” 

Aboriginal Education Leader, Paralowie R-12 School, SA

New Stars Programs in 2026 

During Semester 1 of 2026, Stars Foundation will commence 3 new programs in Western Australia and 2 in South Australia. 

The new programs in Western Australia include Fitzroy Valley District High School, Merredin College and Ballajura Community College. New programs in South Australia include Salisbury High School and Murray Bridge High School. 

Since 2015, Stars Foundation has experienced significant milestones and transformative growth, year on year.  With further programs scheduled to be added in 2026, this marks a 20+% growth rate over the last three consecutive years, and all driven by requests from community, Elders, families and school leaders.  

To view all 80 programs on a map of Australia, please visit https://starsfoundation.org.au/programs/