Our Impact
At Happy Brain Education, we empower our students to create meaningful change in the world.
At Happy Brain Education, we are committed to making a real impact through education. Every student, tutor, and volunteer chooses to use their time and skills to create social change. As our programs have grown, we have intentionally focused on tackling educational inequality in Victoria.
Funds raised through our tutoring program HBE Academy and fundraising initiatives such as Steps for Change are reinvested to provide free or low-cost, high-quality educational services for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Education is the key to
unlocking potential.
Our community is built on the belief that every young person deserves a chance to shine, regardless of their starting line.
Theory of Change
Academic Support
Students in remote/disadvantaged areas or from refugee background, have inequitable access to high-quality tutoring support and educational resources.
Financial Barriers
Students from low-income families face significant financial barriers to accessing educational opportunities and resources.
Wellbeing support
Inadequate mental health support and awareness among high school students, affecting their overall wellbeing and academic performance.
Mentorship
Limited access to youth led mentorship programs that can guide students through academic and personal challenges.
Community
Insufficient engagement from the broader community and schools in holistically supporting students' educational and mental health needs.
Provide premium quality education to students, led by high achieving past students.
Provide need-based mentoring and support for students, with focus on skillset building.
Provide youth-led support through wellbeing and mentoring programs, with focus on community-building.
Increased access to high-quality educational resources and academic support
Improved academic performance and study skills.
Improved mental health awareness and coping strategies among students
Stronger support networks for students, including mentors and community members.
Increased confidence and resilience when tackling academic challenges.
Greater opportunities for higher education and career advancement.
Breaking cycle of disadvantage with better integration into the Australian society.
Development of a positive, supportive community culture around education and mental health.
Assumptions
Students selected for the scholarship are motivated to utilise the resources and opportunities provided.
Mentors and educational resources are of high quality and effectively meet the students' needs.
Community and school support is sustained throughout the program.
Adequate funding and resources are maintained to support program activities.
External Factors
Changes in educational policies or funding at the national or local level.
Economic conditions affecting students' financial needs and availability of resources.
Social and cultural attitudes towards mental health and education within student and the community.
$250k+
Fundraised and donated to various social projects
7000+
Students from all across Victoria
10,000+
Hours volunteered across various programs that we deliver
How We Create Impact
Academic Excellence
Through our tutoring programs, mentorship, and scholarships, we provide students with the academic support they need to excel in their studies.
Personal Growth
Our holistic approach focuses on developing resilience, confidence, and life skills that empower students to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Community Building
We create a supportive community where students, volunteers, and educators come together to learn, grow, and make a positive impact.
Social Change
Through fundraising initiatives and community engagement, we enable students to be agents of change, contributing to various social projects.
Steps for
Change.
One month. 39 kilometres. Infinite possibilities.
Why We Move
39% of the world's poor have no formal education. At Happy Brain Education, we believe that's 39% too many.
That's why each September, we challenge our community to move for change—walking, jogging, or running 39km throughout the month while raising funds for young Victorians who deserve every chance at education.
The Commitment
Participants commit to covering 39km at their own pace (just 1.3km a day!) throughout September.
The Rally
Rallying their networks to support VCE students from refugee and low socio-economic backgrounds.
The Result
Every dollar raised goes directly into scholarships that provide free tutoring, mentoring, and wellbeing support.
Steps for Change 2025: The Results
The Real-World Impact
Thanks to Steps for Change 2025, 11 VCE students will receive comprehensive support throughout 2026, including: