Late last year, Home in Place delivered a targeted Grow a Star Back to School round for tenants living in the Upper Hunter, providing practical support to help young people prepare for the 2026 school year.
Grow a Star is a youth mentoring and scholarship program created and facilitated by Home in Place. The program supports young people experiencing disadvantage to overcome financial, social and generational barriers that may limit their opportunities, helping them pursue their sporting, academic, musical and artistic goals.
The 2025–26 Back to School round focused on families with school-aged children in the Upper Hunter region, where many households are managing the rising costs associated with education.
Support provided through the round included assistance with school uniforms, shoes, stationery, learning resources and devices needed for school.
Applications were open to young people aged 10 to 18 who live in a Home in Place household and are currently attending school. Applications were reviewed in consultation with local tenancy staff to ensure the support reached families where it would make the greatest difference.
Several Upper Hunter students received assistance through the program this year.
Fifteen-year-old Eli, who hopes to join the Australian Army one day, received support with school uniforms, stationery and a learning device to help him stay organised with his studies.
Another student, Ethan, was supported with a device to assist with his schoolwork, helping him stay engaged in learning during a challenging time for his family.
Fourteen-year-old Leland, who recently moved to a new school, received support with a laptop and new uniforms to help him settle into his studies.
For Skyler, starting high school this year, Grow a Star provided assistance with a laptop to support her transition into secondary education.
Thirteen-year-old Thomas also received support with a laptop and school uniforms as he prepares for the move into high school.
While each young person’s circumstances are different, the goal of the Back to School round is simple: to reduce some of the financial pressure on families and ensure students have the tools they need to participate fully in school life.
Programs like Grow a Star are an important part of Home in Place’s broader commitment to supporting tenants and strengthening communities.
