Charity - A Start in Life
Each year, the AIPIO Board selects a charity that it feels provides important and invaluable assistance to the community.
In 2025, AIPIO has chosen to support A Start in Life throughout the Conference, and in particular, via a Silent Auction at the Conference Dinner.
Not every student gets an equal shot at education – but we’re here to change that.
A Start in Life is an Australian education charity who’s been helping young people overcome barriers to learning since 1923. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive – no matter their background or circumstances.
The students we support all experience financial hardship, often alongside other challenges that can make it harder to stay engaged in learning or reach their full potential – such as limited support at home, disruptions to schooling, and the pressures of taking on responsibilities beyond their years.
We provide personalised support that goes beyond the classroom – helping students from kindergarten through to university and TAFE access the resources, encouragement and opportunities they need to succeed.
This includes regular mentoring and check-ins, building learning-rich home environments, supporting self-discovery and career exploration, enabling participation extracurricular activities, supplying tutoring and laptops, and providing funding for education essentials. We help students feel seen, supported and ready to grow – academically, personally and professionally.
For over a century, we’ve helped more than 7,000 young Australians get the start they deserve.
Why Donate to A Start in Life?
Because you’re not just changing one life – you’re shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
When you support A Start in Life, you’re providing more than school supplies. You’re giving a young person the chance to feel supported, empowered and excited about their future – sometimes for the first time.
Your donation helps students dream bigger and achieve more, no matter their circumstances. With your help, we can reach more students who are ready to learn but who are held back by financial hardship.
Support A Start in Life today and help a young person thrive.
All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
How Donations Are Used
Your donation helps a young person overcome the barriers holding them back and unlock their potential through practical, personalised support that changes lives – at school, at home, and beyond.
This support can include:
Ongoing mentoring and one-on-one check-ins – because every student deserve to have someone who believes in them
Essential school needs – from uniforms and school fees, to excursions and technology
Tutoring and academic support – to help students catch up, stay motivated, and succeed
Participation in extracurricular activities – building confidence and connection through sport, music, art, robotics, and more
Creating learning-rich home environments – equipping families with the tools and guidance to nurture curiosity and a love of learning
Facilitating self-discovery – helping students better understand themselves, their values, and their abilities
Skill development, career exploration, and real-world experiences – through 21st Century skills workshops, career sampling, industry excursions, and more
Every student’s journey is different. And every donation provides meaningful help that keeps students engaged, fuels growth, and creates brighter futures.
A Start in Life of Alumni - Wid’s Story
Wid’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. After moving to a new country as a child, she and her family faced financial hardship and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. But Wid refused to let those challenges define her path.
With support from A Start in Life, she completed high school and earned a law degree—proving that with the right mindset and opportunity, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Today, Wid is not only a successful lawyer but also the founder of her own law firm, where she champions justice and supports those in need.
Without the financial support from A Start in Life, I would not be a respected member of the community, advocating for justice and assisting those who need it most.
Programs
A Start in Life offers three support programs, ensuring students receive the assistance they need at every stage of their learning journey.
Each program is designed to remove barriers, build confidence, and create lasting impact, from the early years of school right through to tertiary education.
Learning for Success (Kindergarten – Year 12)
Assists students whose education is impacted by financial hardship through creating learning-rich home environments, guiding self-discovery, and building 21st Century skills.
Career and Skills Development Scholarship (Year 9 – Year 10)
Designed to broaden career horizons and equip students with skills vital to modern careers, including workshops, career coaching, industry excursions, and career sampling with industry professionals.
Tertiary Program (University and TAFE)
Supports students pursuing higher education, including regular check-ins and helping cover the costs of items including textbooks, accommodation, transport, ‘tools of the trade’, and work placements.