JTYouGotThis: Real Impact – A Case Study from Queensland

In Queensland, youth disengagement from education and the workforce remains a pressing challenge—particularly among communities facing socio-economic disadvantage and cultural barriers. Many young people in these circumstances struggle to find consistent support, which can lead to declining school attendance, diminished self-belief, and limited opportunities for the future.

The JTYouGotThis Program, delivered by the Johnathan Thurston Academy (JT Academy), stands out as a proven initiative to reverse this trend. Designed to build self-confidence, foster resilience, and reconnect young people with pathways to education and employment, it has achieved measurable success in regions across Queensland.

This case study focuses on the Queensland delivery of JTYouGotThis, exploring the program’s purpose, structure, outcomes, and the broader impact it has had on participants, schools, and communities.

1. The JTYouGotThis Program: Purpose and Philosophy

The JTYouGotThis Program was created to address a critical need: re-engaging at-risk youth with education, building life skills, and laying the groundwork for successful transitions into further learning or employment.

Its philosophy rests on three foundational pillars:

• Empowering self-belief – helping young people recognise their potential and strengths.
• Building essential life skills – equipping them to navigate both personal and professional challenges.
• Providing culturally informed, trauma-aware support – ensuring the program is relevant and safe for participants from diverse backgrounds, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

In Queensland, the program has been tailored to meet the needs of regional and urban communities, working closely with schools, parents, and local service providers.

2. Program Structure and Delivery in Queensland

The JTYouGotThis Program is typically delivered as a 10-week, hands-on, interactive course. In Queensland, the sessions combine:

• Workshops focused on confidence, goal-setting, and communication.
• Practical activities to develop resilience and teamwork.
• Cultural awareness components, highlighting heritage, identity, and respect.
• One-on-one mentoring to provide personalised guidance.
• Pathway planning to connect participants with further education, training, or employment programs.

Each session is designed to be engaging, avoiding the formality of traditional classrooms. This helps participants feel comfortable, break down barriers, and actively engage in their own development.

3. Target Group and Regional Focus

In Queensland, JTYouGotThis targets:

• Youth aged 10–17 identified as at risk of disengaging from school.
• Students with inconsistent attendance records.
• Young people experiencing behavioural challenges or low self-esteem.
• Those in need of support to navigate family or community pressures.

Program delivery has reached multiple Queensland regions, including both metropolitan centres and remote communities. This broad reach ensures that young people in under-served areas have the same access to high-quality development programs as their urban peers.

4. Key Outcomes in Queensland

4.1 Increased School Attendance

Data collected during program delivery in Queensland shows a measurable increase in school attendance for participants. By reigniting enthusiasm for learning and creating a sense of purpose, JTYouGotThis helps reverse truancy patterns.

4.2 Improved Engagement in Education

Teachers and school leaders report a noticeable improvement in classroom engagement. Participants return to school with:

• Greater willingness to participate in class.
• Improved listening and concentration skills.
• A stronger sense of belonging within the school environment.

4.3 Enhanced Confidence and Self-Belief

Before the program, many Queensland participants expressed uncertainty about their abilities. Post-program feedback indicates:

• Higher self-confidence in academic and social settings.
• Increased belief in their capacity to set and achieve goals.
• A more optimistic outlook on future career and life opportunities.

4.4 Better Behavioural Outcomes

Through learning emotional regulation and conflict resolution, participants show:

• Reduced incidents of disruptive behaviour.
• Improved relationships with peers and teachers.
• Greater ability to manage frustration and stress.

4.5 Strengthened Family and Community Connections

Parents and guardians in Queensland have observed:

• Improved communication at home.
• More positive attitudes towards family responsibilities.
• Increased involvement in community activities.

5. Program Components Driving Success in Queensland

5.1 Mentorship and Role Models

A cornerstone of the program’s success is the use of mentors who share relatable life experiences. These mentors:

• Act as positive role models.
• Provide guidance rooted in understanding and respect.
• Encourage persistence in the face of setbacks.

5.2 Culturally Informed Delivery

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants in Queensland, the integration of cultural respect and awareness into every session ensures:

• Safe and inclusive learning environments.
• Recognition and celebration of identity.
• Stronger connections between heritage and future aspirations.

5.3 Trauma-Informed Practices

The program’s facilitators are trained in trauma-aware approaches, which:

• Help identify and support young people affected by adverse experiences.
• Ensure sessions are conducted with sensitivity and care.
• Reduce the risk of disengagement due to emotional triggers.

6. Partnerships Strengthening Program Impact

In Queensland, the JTYouGotThis Program benefits from partnerships with:

• Local schools – for participant referrals and ongoing support.
• Community organisations – for complementary services and cultural guidance.
• Corporate partners – for funding, volunteer engagement, and post-program opportunities.
• Government agencies – for alignment with youth development priorities.

These partnerships allow the program to provide a more holistic support network for each participant.

7. Evidence of Impact: Measured Success

In Queensland delivery, the program has recorded:

• High completion rates across all participating cohorts.
• Sustained improvements in attendance and engagement even months after program completion.
• Positive testimonials from educators, parents, and participants themselves.

Some schools have reported a ripple effect—where improvements in program participants have influenced their peers to adopt more positive behaviours.

8. Long-Term Pathway Connections

The JTYouGotThis Program is not an isolated intervention. In Queensland, it connects graduates to:

• JTSucceed Program – for work readiness and employment pathways.
• JTJobBoard – for real job opportunities.
• Further education and training providers – for skill development.

This ensures the momentum built during the program continues beyond the 10-week delivery.

9. Recognition and Motivation as Catalysts for Change

An important part of the Queensland delivery is celebrating achievements:

• Participants receive certificates of completion.
• Achievements are acknowledged in front of peers, families, and community members.
• Program successes are shared through JT Academy’s communication channels.

Recognition boosts morale and motivates participants to continue striving for success.

10. Cultural and Community Benefits

Beyond individual outcomes, the program strengthens communities by:

• Encouraging intergenerational respect and dialogue.
• Reducing behaviours that lead to disengagement or conflict.
• Building a network of young leaders who can inspire others.

In Queensland’s diverse cultural landscape, these benefits contribute to stronger, more inclusive communities.

11. Role of Corporate and Community Sponsors

Corporate and community partners supporting the Queensland delivery gain:

• Alignment with ESG priorities, especially diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Opportunities to engage directly with program participants.
• Recognition for contributing to tangible community impact.
• A direct role in shaping future workforce readiness.

Their involvement is vital in ensuring the program’s sustainability and expansion.

12. Sustainability and Future Growth in Queensland

The JT Academy aims to expand JTYouGotThis to more Queensland regions, with goals to:

• Reach more at-risk youth in remote communities.
• Deepen partnerships with schools and employers.
• Continue refining content to meet changing community needs.

Sustained investment from sponsors and stakeholders is key to meeting these objectives.

13. Why JTYouGotThis Works in Queensland

The program’s effectiveness in Queensland comes from:

• Relatable mentors who understand participants’ lived realities..
• Hands-on learning that keeps engagement high.
• Cultural respect that fosters trust and inclusion.
• Measurable outcomes that demonstrate real change.
• Pathway connections that ensure long-term success.

A Proven Model of Change for Queensland Youth

The JTYouGotThis Program has proven itself to be more than a temporary intervention—it is a catalyst for long-term transformation. In Queensland, it has helped young people reconnect with education, rebuild self-belief, and find pathways to meaningful futures.

Its success lies in its ability to combine practical skill development, cultural inclusivity, trauma-aware support, and pathway integration. By doing so, JTYouGotThis is bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, one participant at a time.

For Queensland communities, the impact is clear: better school attendance, stronger family ties, and a new generation of confident, resilient, and motivated young people. For partners and sponsors, it represents an opportunity to create lasting change where it matters most—within the lives of the next generation.

Read More – JTCommunity