Rewriting Futures: How the JTYouGotThis Program is Transforming School Attendance Across Queensland

School attendance is one of the strongest indicators of student success, yet across many parts
of Queensland, young people face significant barriers to showing up. From unstable home
environments and negative peer influences to disengagement from learning and unresolved
trauma, the reasons are complex—but the impact is clear: low attendance often correlates
with lower academic outcomes, mental health issues, and long-term disadvantage.

That’s where the Johnathan Thurston Academy’s JTYouGotThis (JTYGT) Program comes
in. A culturally informed, strength-based initiative, the JTYGT Program is proving that with
the right support, young people can rewrite their stories—one day at a time, one session at a
time. And it all starts with showing up.

From Chronic Absenteeism to Full Engagement

In communities like Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa, attendance rates among vulnerable
youth were as low as 10% prior to program involvement. Through consistent mentoring,
culturally safe environments, and holistic learning models, the JTYGT Program has helped
participants achieve up to 100% attendance in just 10 weeks.

One young person from Cairns, previously disengaged and known to justice services,
returned for a second round of the program with over 85% attendance—and is now
mentoring new participants. In another case, a student with a history of suspensions and
family trauma went from couch-surfing to attending school daily, thanks to support from JTA
facilitators and structured program sessions.

The Data Behind the Impact

While stories are powerful, the numbers speak volumes:

• In Hervey Bay, the program achieved an 85% attendance rate.
• 76% of participants improved school attendance, exceeding the 70% target.
• 73% of students completed the full 10-week program.
• Many had previously recorded chronic absenteeism or complete disengagement from the education system.

In Townsville, 75% of participants reported improved family connections—a crucial driver
of consistent school attendance—while 62% showed growth in education/training
engagement and mental wellbeing.

In Cairns, after the program expanded to meet demand, 100% of participants who began
showed a positive change from their initial assessments.

What’s Working: Culturally Grounded and Youth-Led Support

JTYGT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It is designed to meet young people where they
are—emotionally, culturally, and logistically.

Program facilitators incorporate yarning circles, cultural storytelling, and mentoring from
Traditional Owners to foster trust and identity. Many participants shared that this was the first
time they felt safe enough to talk about their feelings or share their stories without fear of
judgment.

The Academy's holistic wraparound support—from mediation with teachers to cultural
reconnection—has played a pivotal role in helping students develop routine, confidence, and
a renewed belief in education.

Overcoming Challenges on the Ground

Delivering impact in regional Queensland isn’t without hurdles. Transportation remains a
challenge, especially in Cairns, where participants spend up to an hour in transit. Staffing
shortages in Mount Isa have occasionally required inter-region transfers, affecting continuity.

Despite these issues, the JTA team has adapted with flexibility—scaling programs in response
to demand, coordinating with schools and YJ/QPS teams, and creating separate group
sessions to ensure no young person is left behind.

In Mount Isa, despite these challenges, 23 group sessions totaling 97 hours were delivered,
with the addition of exercise-based engagement tools that boosted participation.

Stories That Inspire

A girl once known for non-compliance now attends school regularly, after her attendance
increased by 35%. A boy expelled for violence is now working towards a Certificate I in
Building and Construction with full attendance.

Then there are moments that transcend numbers—like the young man who received a
courage award in front of his family, proudly asking for extra certificates so his mum and
dad could put them on their fridges. Or the participant who returned to school for Term 3
without delay for the first time, after historically needing 1–2 weeks to re-engage post-break.

These are more than individual wins—they are symbols of what becomes possible when
young people feel seen, supported, and valued.

Attendance is Just the Beginning

Attendance is more than a metric—it’s a reflection of trust, safety, and hope. When young
people show up, they're not just entering a room—they’re reclaiming their future.

As the JTYouGotThis Program continues to grow, it’s clear that culturally safe, emotionally
supportive, and consistently structured programs can change attendance patterns—and lives.

Every session counts. Every story matters. And every young person, with the right support,
can find their way back to learning. Because at JTA, we believe: You’ve got this.