335 young people in Gippsland have been supported by Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley since the program commenced service delivery in April 2018, with 304 young people graduating. Today Ladder celebrated their achievements and successful education, employment and training pathways.

Member for Eastern Victoria and long-term supporter of the program, Harriet Shing congratulated the alumni on their many achievements and Ladder, for supporting hundreds of young people to study and work in the region.   

“It’s been a pleasure attending many of Ladder’s milestone events over the years and hearing firsthand from the young people themselves, about the real impact Ladder has made in their lives. This program has been a great asset in the region, and I would like to congratulate Ladder and all the alumni for all their successes.” Ms. Shing said.

At the celebration, Ladder CEO Stephanie De Campo launched Step up to success: a long-term evaluation report of the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley program that revealed 93% of young people are engaged in education, employment and training post program. 

“Nearly eight years on and our alumni are still sustaining these positive outcomes. 78.3 per cent were currently engaged in EET, and a further 16 per cent were actively job-seeking with ongoing support from Ladder and its alumni program. 89.5 per cent had either worked in the Gippsland region or were currently working in the Gippsland region." said Ms. De Campo.

To read the full report, click here.

Ms De Campo thanked the over 130 local and Melbourne-based organisations, funding bodies and the AFL industry, spearheaded by the playing group, for supporting the program and providing hope for the young people in the region.

"I feel like it's been really good just to come back and see and kind of reminisce as well, it's a bit nostalgic. I'm so glad to see that Ladder is still running and that so many other children and teenagers are getting the chance to have help and feel supported in their community" - Jess, Program One participant from 2018

To access the media release, click here.