Impact & Storytelling

 

 

EPIC tracks a range of impact measures to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

 

These include:
 

1. Educational Outcomes:
   Year 12 graduation rates, school attendance, and improvements in academic performance.
    

2. Cultural Identity and Connection:
   Students' sense of pride, connection to culture, and understanding of who they are.
    

3. Leadership and Confidence:
   Growth in leadership skills, self-confidence, and the ability to advocate for themselves and others.
    

4. Career and Pathway Development:
   Increased awareness of career options, engagement with further education or training, and progress toward personal career goals, including tracking post-school pathways.
    

5. Wellbeing and Resilience:
   Enhancements in holistic wellbeing, emotional resilience, and self-efficacy.
    

6. Mentor, Teacher, and Community Feedback:
   Qualitative insights from mentors, teachers, and community members about the program’s impact, relevance, and areas for improvement.
    

7. Student Stories and Perspectives:
   Stories that showcase individual journeys, achievements, and transformative experiences.
    

By integrating quantitative metrics, including Year 12 graduation rates and post-school pathways, with qualitative feedback from students, teachers, and communities, EPIC ensures a comprehensive understanding of its impact and continuously refines its programs to create meaningful impact.

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EPIC thrives on the aspirations and voices of students, schools, and mentors who form its foundations. During the application process - students, schools and even mentors share their goals and motivations for participating in the program, giving us valuable insight into their aspirations and needs. These stories are at the heart of EPIC, guiding us in shaping tailored and relevant mentoring experiences.
 

Throughout the year, we actively seek feedback to ensure continuous improvement and to celebrate successes. Success in the program is determined by the lived experiences and growth of participants. Schools and students reflect on their journeys, sharing transformative moments, while mentors provide critical insights that influence program evolution.

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Our collaborative approach, informed by feedback and supported by the expertise of the deadly team at EPIC, ensures that the program remains responsive, impactful, and aligned with the aspirations of First Nations youth and their communities. Together, we build a network of empowerment and opportunity that continues to grow year after year.

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Central to this is the power of storytelling, which we embed in our workshops and evaluations. By capturing and sharing the perspectives and experiences of students, we celebrate their journeys, amplify their achievements, and make sure their voices are heard. This process not only fosters a deeper connection to their culture and community but also provides a platform for students to express their aspirations, challenges, and triumphs. Through storytelling, we create an environment where students can reflect on their personal growth, share their wisdom, and inspire one another. It ensures that every student’s story is valued, contributing to a program that is dynamic, inclusive, and deeply responsive to their needs.