VicSRC Ambassadors
VicSRC Ambassadors is an annual program for Victorian students from years 6-10 interested in leading change in their schools. The program brings together students to build advocacy skills, take action on issues occurring in schools and amplify student voice.
The Ambassadors program is funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training and is free for students.
This year, we've made some exciting changes to Ambassadors!
After reviewing the program and lots of student feedback, we have shifted the focus of the Ambassadors Program to make sure we are equipping you with the essential knowledge of how to make change alongside real world advocacy and leadership skills.
Read below for more information.
What to expect
Four smaller, in-person workshops throughout the year in either a "regular" or "intensive" program
Opportunity to pitch a student voice project proposal to a panel of VicSRC sraff and students for the opportunity to be an Ambassador Intern
Opportunities to represent VicSRC and Victorian students at education events and consultations
What is the focus of the program?
We've changed the shape of Ambassadors this year to make sure students get the most out of their time in the program Throughout the program we will look at:
Making change accessible through real world examples of steps to take and people to talk to
Building skills for beyond the classroom
Growing an emphasis on inter-school collaboration on shared issues
Putting the power into your hands as students!
Workshops
This year, rather than running the Ambassadors Program once with a large group of students, we will be running it multiple times with groups of 15 students. This program will be offered as either a regular or intensive program covering four workshops. The regular delivery will consist of four 2 hour workshops once per week for four weeks, while the intensive version will occur across three consecutive days, likely in school holidays.
Introducing student project proposals
Across the four workshops, you will also complete a short project proposal aiming to address an issue of student voice in your community. The skills you learn in workshops will inform your proposal with some supported working time. In the final workshop, students will present their proposals to a panel of staff and students for the chance to be offered an Ambassador Internship with VicSRC.
The Ambassador Internship
The Ambassador Internship will be an opportunity for an individual or group of students (maximum of three students) to bring their project to life with the support of VicSRC staff. The Ambassador Intern(s) will have access to frequent guidance and support from staff from across the organisation and will gain valuable professional skills.
Dates and information for remaining workshops throughout the year will be made available soon.
Not only is it an eye opening experience, it has allowed me to gain new skills and learn more about how our education system works
Having an outlet where we can bounce solutions off each other and work towards a collaborative plan to solve concerns felt so empowering
Being on the Ambassadors has helped me build my confidence and has genuinely changed my life
I highly suggest VicSRC Ambassadors to any students who want to have their voice heard and want to improve their student voice actions. I'm glad I was a part of this program, and I'm going to miss it and everyone involved.