The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF)

The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) was established in 2008 in response to community demand from Indigenous families who choose to enrol their children in boarding schools.

Bringing together the government and private sector, AIEF provides scholarship funding for Indigenous students to complete Year 12 or tertiary studies, with career support to help them make a successful transition to their chosen fields.

Backed by some of Australia’s most influential business and community leaders, AIEF has grown from one scholarship student in 2008 to now having around 450 students on scholarships annually, with a network of over 600 alumni and growing by over 70 graduates each year, from over 400 communities in every state and territory of Australia.

The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) has released their 2021 Annual Report, showcasing the incredible outcomes of AIEF Scholarship Students and Alumni across the nation.

In 2021 students supported by AIEF achieved a 94% annual retention and Year 12 completion rate, among their best results. AIEF supported 345 scholarship students at school and university from 168 communities across Australia, including 66 year 12 graduates.

AIEF Alumni have also seen great success, transitioning from Year 12 and beginning their career journeys. From work placements and internships to financial literacy and interview skills, alumni are supported to develop the tools they need to reach their career goals and exceed their own expectations.

These achievements are underpinned by hardworking AIEF Educational Partners, a network of influential businesses and community leaders, and the encouragement of parents, carers, families and communities.

“For us to inspire the next generation of leaders, we need to be the ones that go out and get a good education and achieve our dreams,” says AIEF Alum Kyh Samuelsson.

This report is not only a reflection of a year past but an encouraging reminder of what is achievable. If you are interested in supporting AIEF please visit www.aief.com.au.